brass-rubbing

[bras-ruhb-ing, brahs-]

noun

1. an antiquarian's technique for copying designs from incised brass memorial slabs and the like.

2. a copy made by brass-rubbing.

brass rubbing

noun

1. the taking of an impression of an engraved brass tablet or plaque by placing a piece of paper over it and rubbing the paper with graphite, heelball, or chalk

2. an impression made in this way

Word History and Origins

Origin of brass rubbing¹

First recorded in 1885–90

Example Sentences

"Not as good as it was" quibble blunderbussed by "but obvs still 87.9% better than anything else in all of, like, EVAH" counter-whinge More breathless brass rubbing & explosive monarchical frottage from Mrs Pepperpot & Capt T Bargain-Hunt Esq Exhibitionists buff hooves, adjust bridles, promise "130%" contribution to "journey" etc The totally topical taste .

From The Guardian

A unique shop in downtown Boston, the London Brass Rubbing Centre, makes available to plate rubbers meticulous plastic copies of top brasses ranging from a rare depiction of a 17th century child to an armored, gauntleted, 6-ft. knight who served Kings Edward III and Richard II.

From Time Magazine Archive

In the present instance, they seemed particularly gay; Miss Sally's aspect being of a most oily kind, and Mr Brass rubbing his hands in an exceedingly jocose and light-hearted manner.

From Project Gutenberg