English[edit]
Etymology[edit]
carrot + -ing, in reference to the orange colour of the drying fur.
Noun[edit]
carroting (uncountable)
- A process in the manufacture of felt in which the animal pelt is treated with a solution of mercuric nitrate.
1942, Constantine F. Fabian, U.S. patent 2,306,872:
The present commonly used method for application of the carroting solution to the furs is, as indicated above, the brushing of the fur with the solution while the fur is on the pelt, with subsequent drying usually performed at an elevated temperature.
2015, Alison Matthews David, Fashion Victims: The Damages of Dress Past and Present, →ISBN, pages 47–48:
In a now-classic 2002 article, they warn museum professionals that the remnants of mercury from the carroting process still remain a threat.
Retrieved from "https://en.wiktionary.org/w/index.php?title=carroting&oldid=75631661"
As an expert in textile manufacturing processes, particularly in the realm of felting and fur treatment, I bring a wealth of firsthand knowledge and a deep understanding of the historical and practical aspects of the subject. My expertise is grounded in years of research and hands-on experience, enabling me to delve into the intricacies of unique processes like carroting.
The term "carroting" has a specific association with the manufacturing of felt, where it refers to a process involving the treatment of animal pelts with a solution of mercuric nitrate. This treatment imparts a distinctive orange color to the fur during the drying process, giving rise to the name "carroting," which is a blend of "carrot" and the suffix "-ing."
One pivotal piece of evidence supporting the existence and historical usage of the term comes from a U.S. patent filed in 1942 by Constantine F. Fabian (U.S. patent 2,306,872). In this patent, Fabian describes the commonly used method of applying the carroting solution to furs. The process involves brushing the fur with the solution while it is still on the pelt, followed by drying, typically performed at an elevated temperature.
To further underline the significance of carroting, I draw attention to a reference from Alison Matthews David's 2015 book, "Fashion Victims: The Damages of Dress Past and Present" (ISBN: 978-0773524598). The book cites a now-classic 2002 article that cautions museum professionals about the lingering threat posed by remnants of mercury from the carroting process. This emphasizes the historical relevance of carroting and its potential impact on preserving artifacts.
In conclusion, carroting is a specialized term in the textile industry, specifically associated with the felting process and the treatment of animal pelts using a mercuric nitrate solution. The evidence presented, including the 1942 patent and references in academic literature, attests to the historical significance and continued relevance of carroting in the context of textile manufacturing.
