French chalk

American  

noun

1. a talc for marking lines on fabrics.

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French chalk British  

noun

1. a compact variety of talc used to mark cloth or remove grease stains from materials

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Etymology

Origin of French chalk

First recorded in 1720–30

Example Sentences

The deck had been dusted with French chalk; bright-coloured flags draped the canvas walls; the band was whimpering to start.

From A Tall Ship On Other Naval Occasions by Bartimeus

Grease Stains on Silk.—For grease stains on silk, rub the silk with French chalk or magnesia, and then hold it to the fire.

From Mother's Remedies Over One Thousand Tried and Tested Remedies from Mothers of the United States and Canada by Ritter, Thomas Jefferson

Caffray told me that with a beginner the Spirits found it somewhat easier to write with French chalk than with slate pencil.

From Preliminary Report of the Commission Appointed by the University of Pennsylvania to Investigate Modern Spiritualism In Accordance with the Request of the Late Henry Seybert by Seybert Commission, The

Remove grease, by French chalk, and stains, by diluted oxalic acid, or cream of tartar.

From A Treatise on Domestic Economy For the Use of Young Ladies at Home and at School by Beecher, Catharine Esther

The glass is treated with French chalk previous to collodionizing.

From Photogravure by Blaney, Henry R.