1. Biting; caustic; sarcastic; keen; severe. 2. (Dyeing & Calico Printing) Serving to fix colors.
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) ...