ˈglass-cloth
1. A linen cloth used for drying glass-ware; also as a background for embroidery (see quot. 1882).
| 1851 Illustr. Catal. Gt. Exhib. 512 Plain and checked glass-cloths. 1882 Caulfeild & Saward Dict. Needlework. Glass cloths..have been..much adopted for the purpose of embroidery, as well as for aprons and chair covers. 1891 Times 5 Oct. 4/3 Narrow width towellings, glass cloths, and the like. |
2. A woven fabric made of fine-spun glass thread. (Only as two words.)
| 1875 in Knight Dict. Mech. 1882 Caulfeild & Saward Dict. Needlework, Glass cloth..manufactories for the production of ecclesiastical decorative fabrics composed of glass fibre are in operation in Austria, France and Italy. |
3. Cloth covered with powdered glass, used like sand-paper for smoothing or polishing.
| 1873 Spon Workshop Rec. Ser. i. 407/1 Polishing Bullocks' Horns. Well scrape with glass or steel scraper, afterwards with finest glass-cloth. |