Russia leather

American  

noun

1. a fine, smooth leather produced by careful tanning and dyeing, especially in dark red: originally prepared in Russia.

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Russia leather British  

noun

1. a smooth dyed leather made from calfskin and scented with birch tar oil, originally produced in Russia

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Etymology

Origin of Russia leather

First recorded in 1650–60

Example Sentences

She held a square Russia leather case, in corn-flower blue.

From A Duel by Marsh, Richard

Manufacture of woollens, cottons, Russia leather and embroidery is carried on, and there is trade in cattle, wine, tobacco, hemp, hides and grain.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 2, Slice 6 "Armour Plates" to "Arundel, Earls of" by Various

Reticent as he was, his feverish excitement made me think that something vital hung on the recovery of the contents of that Russia leather bag.

From The Window at the White Cat by Rinehart, Mary Roberts

Being Hurst's and Molesworth's pocket-book bound together in full Russia leather, 32mo., round corners, gilt edges, $5.00.

From A System of Easy Lettering by Cromwell, John Howard

"Then," I said conclusively, "if he took the pearls and sold them, as sure as I sit here, he took the money out of that Russia leather bag."

From The Window at the White Cat by Rinehart, Mary Roberts