puer

Definition

Dung (of dogs, fowls, etc) used in tanning, after applying lime, to soften skins.

Etymology

Perhaps from French puer.

Example Sentences

• "A solution called the ‘pure’ or the 'pewer' (having never seen the word written.., we must spell it as pronounced) is prepared in a large vessel, and into this the skins are immersed."
• "[…] The bacteria of fresh dog-dung were not found to possess a satisfactory puering effect, but those from dung with had been fermented a month (as in practice) have a result nearly equal to actual puer."
• "[…] it was about 50 years before the use of puer was discontinued, at least in Europe."