book
• noun 1 a written or printed work consisting of pages glued or sewn together along one side and bound in covers. 2 a main division of a literary work or of the Bible. 3 a bound set of blank sheets for writing in: an exercise book. 4 (books) a set of records or accounts. 5 a set of tickets, stamps, matches, etc., bound together. 6 a bookmaker’s record of bets accepted and money paid out. • verb 1 reserve (accommodation, a ticket, etc.). 2 (book in) register one’s arrival at a hotel. 3 engage (a performer or guest) for an event. 4 (be booked up) have all places or dates reserved. 5 make an official note of the details of (someone who has broken a law or rule). — PHRASES bring someone to book officially call someone to account for their behaviour. by the book strictly according to the rules. in someone’s bad (or good) books in disfavour (or favour) with someone. in my book in my opinion. on the books contained in a list of members, employees, or clients. take a leaf out of someone’s book imitate someone in a particular way. throw the book at informal charge or punish (someone) as severely as possible. you can’t judge a book by its cover proverb outward appearances are not a reliable indication of the true character of someone or something. — DERIVATIVES bookable adjective booker noun booking noun. — ORIGIN Old English, to grant by charter .
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