ˈpug-mill
[app. f. pug v.2 + mill n.1; but the vb. has not yet been found in this sense as early as pug-mill, so that the relation may be the reverse.]
A machine for comminuting, thoroughly mixing, and working clay and other materials into a plastic state for making bricks and pottery; also, a similar machine for triturating ore, etc.
| 1824 Mech. Mag. No. 33. 78 The introduction of machines called pug-mills, into which the prepared earth is wheeled. 1825 J. Nicholson Operat. Mechanic 533 [The tread of men and oxen] has of late been superseded by the clay or pug mill, which is a very eligible, though simple machine. 1877 Spurgeon Serm. XXIII. 555 Like the brickmaker's blind horse which goes round and round his pug-mill. 1902 A. Bennett Anna of Five Towns viii. 169 The press expelled the water, and the pug-mill expelled the air. 1930 Industr. & Engin. Chem. 20 Mar. 14/1 The machinery is..simple in design and operation, including, in addition to the centrifuge, a ‘pug mill’ in which hot water and steam are used to wash the oil-impregnated sands. 1960 [see extruder 1]. 1980 M. Forster Bride of Lowther Fell xi. 168, I decided..to ferret out a pug⁓mill..together with a special plaster sink I would soon be needing. |