dubbin

American  

[duhb-in] / ˈdʌb ɪn /

noun

1. a mixture of tallow and oil used in dressing leather.

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dubbin British  

/ ˈdʌbɪn /

noun

1. a greasy mixture of tallow and oil applied to leather to soften it and make it waterproof

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Etymology

Origin of dubbin

1815–25; variant of gerund of dub ¹ ( def. ) (in the sense “rubbing or smoothing leather or wood”)

Example Sentences

We also fry our meat in cocoa-nut oil, in dubbin, and in salad oil—if we can "find" any.

From The Siege of Mafeking (1900) by Hamilton, J. Angus

Now see here: paste? there you are; stuffin’? there you are; tub for soakin’? there you are; and so on with every think—whether it’s lapstone, foot, hemp, ball, wax, bristles, dubbin, grease, or ink.

From Original Penny Readings A Series of Short Sketches by Fenn, George Manville

I tried to make the use of dubbin take the place of the resoling of my boots, and in my chamber, which was warmed only by my oil-stove, my garments never dried.

From In Accordance with the Evidence by Onions, Oliver [pseud.]

Your tent boy will grease these every day with "dubbin," of which you want a good supply.

From The Land of Footprints by White, Stewart Edward

Folk ask me, whiles, hoo it comes that I dwell still sae far frae the centre o' the world—as they've a way o' dubbin London!

From Between You and Me by Lauder, Harry, Sir