decating

noun

dec·​at·​ing
ˈdekətiŋ
variants or decatizing
-kəˌtīziŋ
plural -s
: a textile process for adding luster to cloth (as woolen and worsted) and for setting the nap and size by winding it on perforated rollers and circulating hot water or steam through it

Word History

Etymology

decating from French décatir to steam, remove a stiff finish from (from dé- de-—from Old French des-—+ catir to press, from assumed Vulgar Latin coactire to press together, from Latin coactus, past participle of cogere to drive together, compel) + English -ing; decatizing from French décatir + English -ize + -ing

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Cite this Entry

“Decating.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/decating. Accessed 24 Nov. 2024.

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