/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]