Terminology that may be used in this description:

Bookplate: Highly sought after by some collectors, a book plate is an inscribed or decorative device that identifies the owner, or former owner, of a book. Most often bookplates are affixed to the endpaper of a book.

Bump: Indicates that the affected part of the book has been impacted in such a way so as to cause a flattening, indention, or light bending.

Deckle Edge: Deckle edge is the feathered edge of a page. Traditionally and historically, this was a side effect of the process of making paper.

Dust Jacket: Sometimes used as another term for dust jacket, a protective and often decorative wrapper, usually made of paper which wraps around the binding of a book

Ex-library: A former library book, generally containing library acquisition and ownership stamped Markings, and other typical indications of the library's use.

Foxing: Or, Foxed is the age related browning, or brown-yellowish spots, that can occur to book paper over time. When this aging process happens to the paper in a book it is referred to as "foxed".

Remainder Mark: A remainder marked book is just that - a mark to the page edges of a book. This mark is placed on the page edges by a publisher as books are returned from bookstores or sold to discounters.

Rubbing: Abrasion or wear to the surface. Usually used in reference to a book's boards or dust-jacket.

Shelf Wear: (shelving wear) describes damage caused over time to a book by placing and removing a book from a shelf.

Soiled: Generally, refers to minor discoloration or staining.