Backening

/ˈbækənɪŋ/ noun

Definition

The process of becoming dark or darkening, especially related to backing or supporting a darker color.

Etymology

From 'backen' (to back or darken) plus -ing suffix. Rare term from Middle English textile and dyeing terminology.

Kelly Says

This is an extremely obscure word from old weaving and textile traditions—when artisans would 'backen' cloth by adding darker backing material, though the term barely survives in modern English!

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