pounce
English
/paʊns/
noun
Definitions
- (historical) A type of fine powder, as of sandarac, or cuttlefish bone, sprinkled over wet ink to dry the ink after writing or on rough paper to smooth the writing surface.
- (historical) Charcoal dust, or some other coloured powder for making patterns through perforated designs, used by embroiderers, lacemakers, etc.
Etymology
Borrowed from French ponce (pumice) derived from Latin pūmex (pumice).
Origin
Latin
pūmex
Gloss
pumice