tailor's chalk

American  

noun

1. hardened chalk or soapstone used to make temporary guide marks on a garment that is being altered.

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tailor's chalk British  

noun

1. pipeclay used by tailors and dressmakers to mark seams, darts, etc, on material

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Etymology

Origin of tailor's chalk

First recorded in 1880–85

Example Sentences

Mark all notches with basting thread, tailor's chalk, or notch the goods if it does not ravel.

From Textiles and Clothing by Watson, Kate Heintz

Lay skin on lining and mark its edge with tailor's chalk.

From Taxidermy by Pray, Leon Luther

In the next room two alarmed and fluttered old women were hurriedly picking up similar patterns and pieces of tailor's chalk from the floor.

From The Darling and Other Stories by Garnett, Constance