Delimed

/diːˈlaɪmd/ adjective

Definition

Having had lime or calcium compounds removed, especially describing leather or other material that has undergone the deliming process in manufacturing.

Etymology

Past participle of delime (de- + lime + -ed). Established in leather industry terminology by the 18th-19th centuries to describe hides that had undergone this crucial processing step.

Kelly Says

A delimed hide is the sweet spot in leather-making—too much lime and the hide is fragile, too little and hair won't come off properly. It's a delicate chemical balance that medieval tanners had to learn through trial and error.

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