goffer

[ gof-er ]

noun

1. an ornamental plaiting used for frills and borders, as on women's caps.

verb (used with object)

1. to flute (a frill, ruffle, etc.), as with a heated iron.

goffer

/ ˈɡəʊfə /

verb

1. to press pleats into (a frill)
2. to decorate (the gilt edges of a book) with a repeating pattern

noun

1. an ornamental frill made by pressing pleats
2. the decoration formed by goffering books
3. the iron or tool used in making goffers

Word History and Origins

Origin of goffer¹

1700–10; < French gaufre waffle < Middle Dutch wāfel waffle ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of goffer¹

C18: from French gaufrer to impress a pattern, from gaufre, from Middle Low German wāfel; see waffle ¹, wafer

Example Sentences

Dr. Fellowes had the kindness to give me a goffer (a large field-mouse), undoubtedly Diplostoma bulbivorum.

From Project Gutenberg

A new mortification for poor Cinderella, for it was she who had to iron her sisters' fine linen, and goffer their ruffles.

From Project Gutenberg

Hence our verb to goffer, to give a cellular appearance to a frill.

From Project Gutenberg