From the book
The Gods Are Athirst
Anatole France · Diotimos Editions · 2026
Browse this book’s lexicon →Meaning
Lemma.
Vergeures are the fine parallel mould marks in laid paper, distinguished from the wider chain lines, pontuseaux. The edition translates them as “laid lines.” Both kinds are inspected by Élodie as physical evidence bearing on an assignat’s authenticity. The juxtaposition matters: these are separate features of the paper, not two names for the watermark and not decorative printed lines.
Places to read
- Chapter III, paragraph 4Frenchles vergeures: fine parallel marks from paper manufacture. Part of Élodie’s three-part check: chain lines, laid lines, watermark.