hold the book

hold the book (third-person singular simple present holds the book, present participle holding the book, simple past and past participle held the book)

1. (theater) To act as prompter.
   • 1860, Douglas Jerrold, Blanchard Jerrold, The Brownrigg Papers, page 133:

     In a little time, and you'll cease to hold the book to men and women; no, you'll have to prompt nothing but earthquakes, and give the word to nobody but dragons and flying fish.

   • 1869, Hawley Smart, Breezie Langton, volume 1, page 190:

     Here we are! now then," he said, as they entered the theatre, "clear the stage, all ready for the first piece. Who'll hold the book? Here, Puzzleton, you've nothing to do, just prompt will you, like a good fellow?

• keep the book
• on the book