The act of making something wrinkled or puckered, or the wrinkles that form on a surface like paper or fabric.
From 'cockle' (Middle English), originally referring to wrinkles in grain or cloth, possibly from Old English 'cocel.' The verb form developed from the noun describing the characteristic puckering effect.
Paper makers still fight against cockling—moisture causes fibers to expand unevenly, creating those annoying wavy edges. It's why old manuscripts sometimes look like they've been in a battle!
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