retroussage

American  

[re-truh-sahzh, ruh-troo-sazh] / ˌrɛ trəˈsɑʒ, rə truˈsaʒ /

noun

1. the technique or action, in etching or engraving, of drawing up ink from within the incised lines of an inked plate by deftly passing a soft cloth across its surface in order to spread ink to the adjacent areas.

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Etymology

Origin of retroussage

1955–60; < French: a turning up, equivalent to retrouss ( er ) ( see retroussé) + -age -age

Example Sentences

This method of wiping, which leaves on the surface of the plate a tint of more or less depth, must not be confounded with retroussage.

From A Treatise on Etching by Lalanne, Maxime

But before they can be used to advantage, they must undergo a process of retroussage.

From The Book of Khalid by Rihani, Ameen Fares