retroussage

[ re-truh-sahzh; French ruh-troo-sazh ]

noun

1. the technique or action, in etching or engraving, of drawing up ink from within the incised lines of an inked plate by deftly passing a soft cloth across its surface in order to spread ink to the adjacent areas.

Word History and Origins

Origin of retroussage¹

1955–60; < French: a turning up, equivalent to retrouss ( er ) ( retroussé ) + -age -age

Example Sentences

But before they can be used to advantage, they must undergo a process of retroussage.

From Project Gutenberg