dabber

[ dab-er ]

noun

1. a person or thing that dabs. dab.
2. a cushionlike article used for applying ink, as by printers and engravers.

ˈdabber

/ ˈdæbə /

noun

1. a pad used by printers for applying ink by hand
2. a felt-tip pen with a very broad writing point, used especially by bingo players to cancel numbers on their cards

Word History and Origins

Origin of dabber¹

First recorded in 1780–90; dab ¹ + -er ¹

Example Sentences

To equalize the ground a dabber was used, which was made of cotton-wool under horsehair, the whole inclosed in silk.

From Project Gutenberg

Then try it by bringing down the dabber upon a clean sheet of paper with a smart blow.

From Project Gutenberg

Some engravers prefer the dabber to the roller even for regrounding entire plates.

From Project Gutenberg

But if you desire to do your own proving, you will have to use a dabber, the manner of making which is described in the next note.

From Project Gutenberg

The chafing-dish and the ball (or dabber) are now replaced by the gas flame and the inking-roller in most printing establishments.

From Project Gutenberg