blueing, bluing, vbl. n.
(ˈbluːɪŋ)
[f. blue v.1]
1. A making blue; spec. the process of giving a blue colour to metals. Also attrib., as blueing-pan.
| 1766 Croker, etc. Dict. Arts & Sc. (1768) I., Blueing of Metals is performed by heating them in the fire, till they assume a blue colour. 1851 Art Jrnl. Catal. Gt. Exhib. 63/3 The [sword-] blade..combines embossing with engraving, blueing, and gilding. 1884 F. J. Britten Watch & Clockm. 34 The articles to be blued are placed in a blueing pan. |
2. A substance that gives a blue tint, laundresses' blue.
| 1669 Sir Thomas Browne Let. 28 Apr. (1946) 51 Enquire after smalt, a stone wherof they make bleweing for paynting & starch. 1889 Cent. Dict., Bluing..The indigo, soluble Prussian blue, or other material, used in the laundry to give a bluish tint to linen. 1895 Cal. Univ. Nebraska 1895–6 174 Soaps, washing powders, polishing powders, bluing, etc. 1897 Star 17 Sept. 4/7 Dust the glass with powdered bluing done up in a bit of cheese cloth. |