Old Style Figures
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Definition:
Style of Arabic Numerals where the characters appear at different positions and heights as opposed to the modern style of all numerals at the same size and position are called Old Style Figures. Some Old Style figures sit entirely above the baseline while others (such as the tail on the numeral 9) descend below the baseline. Often Old Style Figures are available only in Expert Character Sets although some fonts may come with both Old Style Figures and Lining Figures (those that sit on the baseline).
Also Known As:
Ornamental figures, Old Style Numerals, Non-Lining
Alternate Spellings:
oldstyle
Elsewhere on the Web:
Rules of Typography Part IV
The difference between Old Style and Lining numerals illustrated.
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