dabber

American  

[dab-er] / ˈdæb ər /

noun

1. a person or thing that dabs.

2. a cushionlike article used for applying ink, as by printers and engravers.

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dabber British  

/ 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

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Etymology

Origin of dabber

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

Example Sentences

She keeps a second pink ink dabber standing by just in case the one she is using to mark the spaces on her bingo sheet runs out.

From Washington Times • Jan. 11, 2015

The dabber not only equalizes the distribution of the varnish, but also removes what is superfluous.

From A Treatise on Etching by Lalanne, Maxime

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

From A Treatise on Etching by Lalanne, Maxime

In a coloring process in use there Forster, or Foster, noticed a peculiar composition that covered the surface of the potter's "dabber."

From The Building of a Book A Series of Practical Articles Written by Experts in the Various Departments of Book Making and Distributing by Hitchcock, Frederick H.

When it is not available the dabber must be employed in the old manner.

From A Treatise on Etching by Lalanne, Maxime