\Col"o*phon\ (k[o^]l"[-o]*f[o^]n), n. [L. colophon
finishing stroke, Gr. kolofw`n; cf. L. culmen top, collis
hill. Cf. {Holm}.]
An inscription, monogram, or cipher, containing the place and
date of publication, printer's name, etc., formerly placed on
the last page of a book.
      The colophon, or final description, fell into disuse,
      and . . . the title page had become the principal
      direct means of identifying the book.    --De Morgan.
      The book was uninjured from title page to colophon.
                                               --Sir W.
                                               Scott.