'dull-printed' is a compound formed from the adjective 'dull' and the past-participle adjective 'printed' (from the verb 'print'). 'Dull' originates from Middle English and Old English roots (Old English 'dull'/'dol'), where it meant 'blunted' or 'stupid' and later developed senses of 'not bright' or 'lacking sharpness'. 'Print' ultimately comes from Middle English 'printen' (to impress or reproduce text or images), from Old French and ultimately from Latin roots related to pressing.

'dull' developed in Middle English from Old English 'dol'/'dull' with senses shifting toward 'not sharp' or 'lacking brightness.' 'print' passed into Middle English as 'printen' from Old French forms (related to verbs meaning to press or imprint), and 'printed' became a common past-participial adjective describing items that have been produced by printing. The compound 'dull-printed' arose by combining these elements to describe a printing result lacking brightness or clarity.

Individually, 'dull' originally conveyed bluntness or lack of liveliness and 'print' referred to making an impression by pressing; combined as 'dull-printed', the phrase came to mean 'having a printed appearance that is lacking in shine, contrast, or clarity.'