▪ I. ˈbuffing, vbl. n.1
[f. buff v.1; cf. buffer n.2 1.]
Only in comb., as buffing-apparatus, buffing-block, buffing-spring.
| 1835 Specif. Bergin's Patent No. 6781 In order to explain the meaning of the words ‘buffing apparatus.’ |
▪ II. ˈbuffing, vbl. n.2
[f. buff n.2 and v.3 + -ing1.]
a. The formation of a buffy coat. b. The process of polishing with a buff (buff n.2 4), or with a buffer (buffer n.3); also that of imparting a velvety surface to leather by the use of sandpaper. buffing-block, in silver manufacture, a wooden block covered with leather, on which an article is rubbed to polish it.
| 1856 Todd & Bowman Phys. Anat. II. 295 Buffing and cupping of the blood has long attracted notice. c 1865 J. Wylde in Circ. Sc. I. 156/2 Buffing, or rubbing the plate on some velvet fixed tightly over a piece of wood. 1885 Harper's Mag. Jan. 286/1 Buffing or sand-papering machine [for leather]. |
c. The operation of reducing the thickness of a hide by shaving off the grain surface with a currier's knife or splitting-machine; also, the thin pieces of leather so removed. Also Comb., as buffing-machine, buffing-slicker.
| a 1884 Knight Dict. Mech. Suppl., Buffing (leather), taking off thin shavings from the grain side with a buffing-slicker until the skin is very thin; the object being to make cowhide imitate calfskin. The operation is finished by whitening. 1897 C. T. Davis Leather (ed. 2) 444 The buffings which are not required for japanning are sold in russet for making stained buffings. 1920 Chambers's Jrnl. Sept. 622/1 Leather buffings and shavings. |