fuller's earth

American  

noun

1. an absorbent clay, used especially for removing grease from fabrics, in fulling cloth, as a filter, and as a dusting powder.

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fuller's earth British  

noun

1. a natural absorbent clay used, after heating, for decolorizing oils and fats, fulling cloth, etc

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Etymology

Origin of fuller's earth

First recorded in 1515–25

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

fuller's earth

Badly scorched linen may be improved by using the following solution: Boil together well a pint of vinegar, an ounce of Wool Soap, four ounces of fuller's earth, and the juice of two onions.

From The Kitchen Encyclopedia Twelfth Edition (Swift & Company) by Anonymous

Mix four ounces of fuller's earth, half an ounce of pearlash, and lemon-juice enough to make a stiff paste, which can be dried in balls, and kept for use.

From A Treatise on Domestic Economy For the Use of Young Ladies at Home and at School by Catharine Esther Beecher

Deposits of fuller's earth may occur under the same variety of conditions as deposits of other clays.

From The Economic Aspect of Geology by C. K. (Charles Kenneth) Leith

These are intermixed with masses and irregular beds of gray cinders and score, pumice, various kinds of lava, lithomarge, and fuller's earth.

From The Mirror of Literature, Amusement, and Instruction Volume 13, No. 363, March 28, 1829 by Various

To remove the disagreeable itching which arises from the sting of gnats, wash the part directly with cold water; or at night, rub on fuller's earth mixed with water.

From The Cook and Housekeeper's Complete and Universal Dictionary; Including a System of Modern Cookery, in all Its Various Branches, Adapted to the Use of Private Families by Mary Eaton