Foulage

/ˈfuːlɑːdʒ/ noun

Definition

The process of fulling cloth; the mechanical treatment of woven fabric to compress and thicken it.

Etymology

From Old French 'fouler' (to full cloth), derived from Latin 'fullo' (fuller/cloth worker). The '-age' suffix creates a noun for the process. Textile manufacturing terminology from the medieval period onward.

Kelly Says

Medieval fullers stomped on wet wool cloth for hours—the foulage process matted the fibers together, making cloth warmer, thicker, and waterproof enough for medieval clothing and sails!

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