Handstamping

Part of speech: noun, verb

Definitions

1. The process of impressing a design, mark, or seal onto an object by applying pressure with a handheld device or tool ; a manual method of marking items with an inked or embossed symbol to authenticate or identify them ; the act of using the hand to secure a stamped impression on various materials for certification or decorative purposes
2. A technique involving pressing a stamp by hand onto a surface to leave an inked or embossed mark ; the manual act of branding or labeling objects through direct contact with a stamp for official or aesthetic reasons ; the procedure of creating imprints on items by hand-applied pressure to designate ownership or authenticity
3. The action of manually producing an imprint on an item using a stamp and hand pressure, often for securing or identifying purposes ; a hands-on method of applying marks or symbols to products or documents to confirm validity or origin ; the craft of hand impressing designs or seals onto materials to communicate information or create decorative effects

Etymology: "Handstamping" is simply the present participle and gerund of "handstamp," which is itself a compound of "hand" and "stamp." The pieces are plain English: "hand" is the Old English word for the body part, and "stamp" is an older word for striking or pressing something with a tool to leave an impression. Joined together, the compound describes an impression made by hand rather than by a machine or press. The ing ending turns the verb into a noun for the activity itself, so "handstamping" names the process as well as the act. Its meaning follows its parts closely, with no surprising detour: a stamp that is pressed on by hand, used to mark goods or documents.

Synonyms: manual stamping, hand marking

Antonyms: automatic stamping