Bookend

Full definition of bookend

Noun

1. A heavy object or moveable support placed at one or both ends of a row of books for the purpose of keeping them upright.
2. (figurative) Something that comes before, after, or at both sides of something else.
• 2012, Kelly Fiveash, Snooper's-charter plans are just misunderstood, sniffles tearful May, on The Register http://www.theregister.co.uk/2012/11/01/theresa_may_draft_communications_data_bill_committee_hearing/The cabinet minister's appearance served as something of a bookend to her grilling by the Home Affairs select committee in April this year...

Verb

1. To come before and after, or at both sides of
• Side one has good songs bookended by better songs.

Synonyms

• flank