‖ lavaˈdero Obs.
[Sp., f. lavar to wash: see lave v.1]
A place for washing gold ore.
| 1717 tr. Frezier's Voy. S. Sea 110 On the Descent of the Mountain..they shew'd me a Stream, where there is a rich Lavadero, or Place for washing of Gold. 1760–72 tr. Juan & Ulloa's Voy. (ed. 3) I. 452 The gold taken out of all these Lavaderos or mines in the province of Quito. 1799 W. Tooke View Russian Emp. III. 414 To these mines belong three lavaderos..together having 861 troughs. |