This is a generic grouping for 19th-century ornamented typefaces with a bold, modern underlying structure, an open face, and shading as though being lit from directly above, often sold under the name Meridian Shade or Meridian Shaded.

Multiple type foundries offered their own take on the design, with slight variations between companies and sizes. The Meridian name was used at least as early as 1821 by Elihu White. [Silver]