glair

or glaire

[ glair ]

noun

1. the white of an egg.
2. a glaze or size made of egg white.
3. any viscous substance like egg white.

verb (used with object)

1. to coat with glair.

glair

/ ɡlɛə /

noun

1. white of egg, esp when used as a size, glaze, or adhesive, usually in bookbinding
2. any substance resembling this

verb

1. tr to apply glair to (something)

Derived Forms

• ˈglairy, adjective
• ˈglairiness, noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of glair¹

1300–50; Middle English glaire < Old French: white of an egg < Vulgar Latin *clāria; compare Latin clārus clear

Word History and Origins

Origin of glair¹

C14: from Old French glaire, from Vulgar Latin clāria (unattested) clear , from Latin clārus

Example Sentences

Then the fox started across the steel-gray glair, picking his steps that he might have a firm foothold.

From Project Gutenberg

But safety lies within; and behold the atom of animated glair embarking on its struggle with the flint.

From Project Gutenberg

Bookbinders use some composition made of glair, or white of egg, which produces a very glossy appearance.

From Project Gutenberg

Take care that no glair runs on to the fore-edge when applying it or when draining it off.

From Project Gutenberg

Then plenty of glair is applied and the gold quickly and truly laid on.

From Project Gutenberg