leadwork
(ˈliːdwɜːk)
Also lead work.
[Origin unknown.]
(See quot. 1900.)
Not connected with lead-work s.v. lead n.1 12.
| 1900 E. Jackson Hist. Hand-made Lace 213 Lead works or lerd works, terms used to indicate Modes or Fillings. Fancy stitches employed to fill in enclosed spaces in needle-point and bobbin laces. 1919 T. Wright Romance of Lace Pillow ix. 70 A Lille ground..sprinkled with dots (plaits, leadworks or points d'esprit as they are called). 1953 M. Powys Lace & Lace-Making iv. 26 Maltese Lace. This specimen has the leaf or lead work used as an ornamental filling. |