The process of fabric dye transferring or rubbing off onto skin or other materials, usually from colored textiles that haven't been properly fixed.
From 'crock,' meaning a pot or earthenware vessel, but in this context deriving from the transfer of color similar to how pottery absorbs and transfers pigment. The term evolved in textile manufacturing during the 19th century.
Dark-colored new jeans or fabrics crocking is why manufacturers wash them before sale—the rubbing off of loose dyes was such a problem that it became a major quality-control issue in the clothing industry!
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