dabber

American  

[dab-er] / ˈdæb ər /

noun

1. a person or thing that dabs. dab.

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

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ˈdabber 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

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 A Treatise on Etching by Lalanne, Maxime

Revarnishing with the Brush.—Instead of revarnishing with the dabber, the ground may also be laid with the brush.

From A Treatise on Etching by Lalanne, Maxime

A soft close-textured sponge, or a soft felt dabber, is best for this operation.

From Pottery, for Artists Craftsmen & Teachers by Cox, George J.

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

From A Treatise on Etching by Lalanne, Maxime