/dee-ped' *-tayt/ [by (faulty) analogy with "decapitate"] HumorouSly, to cut off the feet of. When one iS uSing Some computer-aided typeSetting toolS, careleSS placement of text blockS within a page or above a rule can reSult in chopped-off letter deScenderS. Such letterS are Said to have been depeditated. [Jargon File]