Macassar oil

noun

1. an oil derived from materials said to be obtained from Macassar, formerly used as a hairdressing.
2. a similar oil or preparation for the hair.

Macassar oil

noun

1. an oily preparation formerly put on the hair to make it smooth and shiny

Word History and Origins

Origin of Macassar oil¹

First recorded in 1800–10

Word History and Origins

Origin of Macassar oil¹

C19: so called because its ingredients were originally claimed to have come from Makassar

Example Sentences

“Macassar oil” is a trade name, not geographical: see Antimacassar.

From Project Gutenberg

Antimacassar means literally a "protection against macassar oil," anti being the Latin word for "against."

From Project Gutenberg

Macassar-oil, ma-kas′ar-oil, n. an oil much used for the hair, imported from India and other Eastern countries.

From Project Gutenberg

For three months the success of Macassar Oil has kept me from sleeping.

From Project Gutenberg

Macassar Oil will defend itself; it is specious; the name is seductive.

From Project Gutenberg