Abstract: A paper holder for supporting a paper roll and for tearing it to a given length as it is reeled off the roll. The holder comprises a casing which rotatably supports a paper roll, and a retaining cover which is pivotally mounted on the casing at its one end. Casing includes a bearing surface over which a length of the paper web extends as it is reeled off the roll, and the retaining cover includes an abutment adjacent to its other end which bears against the bearing surface with the paper length interposed therebetween. Adjacent to its other end, the cover is also formed with a slot for passing the paper length upwardly therethrough. The paper length which is let through the slot is turned back and then allowed to hang down.