red stuff

noun

a compound of oil and sesquioxide of iron used for polishing brass, steel, silver, etc.; crocus or rouge.

Origin of red stuff

First recorded in 1840–50

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

I woke up stuck to the sheets with some red stuff that may have come out of a glass spilled on its side of the bed next to me.
The Stacks: Pete Dexter on What It’s Like to Lose the Knack of Having Fun | Pete Dexter | September 20, 2014 | THE DAILY BEAST
I took a seat on the red stuff sofa without being invited, and Bevere dropped into his chair.
Johnny Ludlow, Fourth Series | Mrs. Henry Wood
More than once he saw the clouds of red stuff spurting in the distance.
The Forgotten Planet | Murray Leinster
The frescoes on the walls were almost obliterated by age, and were partially covered by dull red stuff.
The Title Market | Emily Post
She saw the Dowager's paint t'other day, and asked her why she wore that red stuff—didn't you, Trix?
The History of Henry Esmond, Esq. | W. M. Thackeray

That dark red stuff whatever they call it—six bundles together and then another like an umbrella on the top.
The Tower of Oblivion | Oliver Onions

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