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Webster 1913 Edition

Mordant

Mor′dant

,
Adj.
[F., p. pr. of
mordere
to bite; L.
mordere
. See
Morsel
.]
1.
Biting; caustic; sarcastic; keen; severe.
2.
(Dyeing & Calico Printing)
Serving to fix colors.

Mor′dant

,
Noun.
[F., originally, biting.]
1.
Any corroding substance used in etching.
2.
(Dyeing & Calico Printing)
Any substance, as alum or copperas, which, having a twofold attraction for organic fibers and coloring matter, serves as a bond of union, and thus gives fixity to, or bites in, the dyes.
3.
(Gilding)
Any sticky matter by which the gold leaf is made to adhere.

Mor′dant

,
Verb.
T.
[
imp. & p. p.
Mordanted
;
p. pr. & vb. n.
Mordanting
.]
To subject to the action of, or imbue with, a mordant;
as, to
mordant
goods for dyeing
.

Webster 1828 Edition

Mordant

MOR'DANT

,
Noun.
A substance which has a chimical affinity for coloring matter and serves to fix colors; such as alum.

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