Mor"dant (?), a. [F., p. pr. of
mordere to bite; L. mordere. See Morsel.]
1. Biting; caustic; sarcastic; keen;
severe.
2. (Dyeing & Calico Printing) Serving
to fix colors.
Mor"dant, n. [F., originally, biting.]
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) Any sticky matter by
which the gold leaf is made to adhere.
Mor"dant (?), v. t. [imp. & p.
p. Mordanted; p. pr. & vb. n.
Mordanting.] To subject to the action of, or imbue with,
a mordant; as, to mordant goods for dyeing.
