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French chalk

American  

noun

  1. a talc for marking lines on fabrics.


French chalk British  

noun

  1. a compact variety of talc used to mark cloth or remove grease stains from materials

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of French chalk

First recorded in 1720–30

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The most innocent powder is probably a preparation of French chalk.

From Mother's Remedies Over One Thousand Tried and Tested Remedies from Mothers of the United States and Canada by Ritter, Thomas Jefferson

Having decided upon the distance apart they are to be placed, cut a marker from a piece of cardboard and measure off the space, marking with pins, French chalk, pencil, or thread.

From Textiles and Clothing by Watson, Kate Heintz

The glass is treated with French chalk previous to collodionizing.

From Photogravure by Blaney, Henry R.

French chalk is useful for removing grease-spots from clothing.

From Our Deportment Or the Manners, Conduct and Dress of the Most Refined Society by Young, John H.

A little French chalk, rubbed on the sides and runners, makes the running smoother.

From Handwork in Wood by Noyes, William

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