Glossary Term Definition
A large initial capital letter used to mark the beginning of a verse, paragraph, or section; historically a decorated or illuminated letter in manuscripts.
Definition
A large initial capital letter used to mark the beginning of a verse, paragraph, or section. Historically, versals were decorated or illuminated letters in manuscripts. In modern typography, the term is sometimes used for any prominent initial, including drop caps and raised caps.
Source
No access — Robert Bringhurst — p. 331:
A large initial capital letter used to mark the beginning of a verse, paragraph, or section.