Cutch

/kʌtʃ/ noun

Definition

A tannin-rich extract made from wood, used in tanning leather and dyeing fabrics; also spelled 'kutch'.

Etymology

From Sanskrit 'khadira' (acacia tree) or 'kach' (astringent extract), borrowed into English through Hindi and Portuguese traders in India.

Kelly Says

Cutch was one of the most valuable trade commodities before synthetic dyes—Indian merchants grew wealthy exporting it to European leather tanners.

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