ˈsoaping, vbl. n.
[f. soap v.]
The action or process of smearing, rubbing, or washing with soap. Also in fig. context.
| 1556 in Shropsh. Parish Doc. (1903) 57 For sopyng of clothys, vi{supd}. 1706 Stevens Sp.-Eng. Dict., Enxabonad{uacu}ra, sopeing of Linnen. 1823 J. Badcock Domest. Amusem. 150 ‘Bristol soap’..by its hardness enables the good wives..to perform the act of soaping more perseveringly. 1834 Tait's Mag. I. 726/1 Some spot where Pleasure's tail was free from soaping, And all might seize it fast who felt inclin'd. 1879 C. Marvin Our Public Offices 23 A vast amount of soaping and towelling was then called into action to remove the grime. |
| attrib. 1646 Looking-Glass for Sope-Patentees (title-p.), A new Project..to monopolize the Soping-mystery. 1876 Encycl. Brit. IV. 688/2 After washing out of the dye-beck the goods [sc. calicoes] are passed into a soaping beck. |