frottage

American  

[fraw-tahzh] / frɔˈtɑʒ /

noun

1. a technique in the visual arts of obtaining textural effects or images by rubbing lead, chalk, charcoal, etc., over paper laid on a granular or relieflike surface.

2. a work of art containing shapes and textures produced by frottage.

3. the practice of getting sexual stimulation and satisfaction by rubbing against something, especially another person.

---

frottage British  

/ ˈfrɒtɑːʒ, frɔtaʒ /

noun

1. the act or process of taking a rubbing from a rough surface, such as wood, for a work of art

2. sexual excitement obtained by rubbing against another person's clothed body

---

Etymology

Origin of frottage

1930–35; < French, equivalent to frott ( er ) to rub (of uncertain origin) + -age -age

Example Sentences

The results are eerie and surprisingly crisp, like frottage.

From New York Times • Mar. 8, 2020

Proof positive of its rich potential comes in a beautiful, pink-spotted work from 1936 by Georges Hugnet, who also effectively merged frottage and collage.

From New York Times • Jan. 24, 2013

For example, he set in motion frottage, another way of introducing chance and avoiding conventional skill.

From New York Times • Jan. 24, 2013

He squirts lighter fluid on the pictures, presses them on his drawing paper, and transfers the images by rubbing on them with an inkless ballpoint pen�a technique called frottage.

From Time Magazine Archive

During a later illness, Ernst remembers, he stared at the wood flooring and ended up discovering a new painting technique that he called "frottage."

From Time Magazine Archive