What was the word 'delete' used for before computers and word processors?

Just curious...I've never used it except when talking about computers or typing.

What was the word 'delete' used for before computers and word processors?internet security software

It was/is used in taking shorthand. The person dictating will often say "delete that last sentence." That was probably the most common use before computers.

What was the word 'delete' used for before computers and word processors?moto guzzi

Dele is a proofreading term that stands for delete. It's been around forever.
from Latin. deletus, pp. of delere "destroy, blot out, efface," from delevi, originally perf. tense of delinere "to daub, erase by smudging," from de- "from, away" + linere "to smear, wipe."
To erase something that is printed or written. From the Latin "delere" meaning to blot out or efface.
LOL! How young are you? Delete means to remove get rid of, take out/off
Same thing it means now. "Delete" means to remove, always has. Usual use is with written material.
Probably from accounting or sports, such as deleting an entry or scratching a horse (drawing a line through it).