A six year thread has been reopened because I wanted to reply to it!!

The word ‘fount’ refers to the typeface in the wooden case which compositors used to compose type from which was cast from hot metal with a high degree of lead content. The printing process was called ‘Letterpress’, and the ‘receptacle’ as you put it was called a ‘fount case’. The spelling ‘font’ is an Americanism which has unfortunately been adopted in the UK instead of the correct ‘fount’. I used to work in the industry so I have some knowledge on the subject!

Have a good day!

As I didn't work in the printing industry, I didn't want to use "technical" terms about which I'd only "looked up" so I use what's in general usage.

People using this medium (computers?) use words and spellings for which all are accustomed even though in "British English" the spelling or usage is incorrect. For instance, we use words like "color", "font face" and "program" because that's what this "industry" uses.

You see.... wen I went too skool, I lernt to spel reely wel an dorlso I lernt dat wen in Rome, doo ax de Romans doo.