A yellowish oily substance obtained from animal fat, used in leather processing to soften and waterproof hides.
From French dégras, possibly from Old French degraisser 'to remove grease,' from de- + graisser 'to grease.' It's a paradoxical term—named for removing grease, but actually a grease product.
This ancient substance, used since medieval times to make leather supple, is still preferred by some craftspeople because synthetic oils can't replicate its unique properties—tradition beats chemistry here.
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