figging
nounEtymology From fig + -ing.
1
Dated (Development of) white streaks or granulations in soap, a natural development in some soaps once considered a sign of quality and therefore sometimes artificially imitated.
- Figging is usually considered to indicate a good quality of soft soap, but such is really not the case. A first-class soft soap can be made which will not fig, while, on the other hand, a poor soap can be produced which will fig.1897, The National Provisioner, page 27:
- The figging is probably due to the separation of the potash salts of some of the fatty acids having a high solidifying point, i. e., [...]1918, The Journal of the American Leather Chemists Association:
1 more example
- Artificial figging was at one time produced by dispersing insoluble fillers in the base.1949, Soap, Cosmetics, Chemical Specialties, volume 25, page 42:
- Related terms
- ricing