transitive. To flatten (sheet metal, a metal object, etc.) with a smooth-faced hammer, or by rubbing a flat-ended tool over the surface; to reduce…

transitive. To pass through a calender; to press (cloth, paper, etc.) between rollers, for the purpose of smoothing, glazing, etc.

Paper-making. To lay (a sheet of pulp) upon a felt to be pressed. (Cf. coucher, n.3)

transitive. To impress or stamp (paper, banknotes, etc.) with a watermark (watermark, n. 5a).

In technical uses. transitive. Papermaking. To separate (damp sheets of paper) after pressing.

transitive. To give (paper, esp. wallpaper) a glossy, satin-like surface, as by the application of a special coating. Cf. satinize, v.

transitive. To rewind (paper, silk, etc.) on to a reel; to spool from one reel on to another.

In paper-manufacture, to subject (rags) to a process of washing and pulping.

Originally: an appliance for pressing cloth or paper between glazed boards and hot metal plates, to make the surface smooth and glossy. Later also…

(transitive) to size (paper) in a tub or vat; to hand-size, as distinguished from engine-size.

transitive. To convert (dry or semi-dry paper stock) into slush by the addition of water.