† China-metaln.
Obsolete.
An early name for porcelain or majolica, dating to a period when its composition was still a secret. (Cf. China n.1 and adj. Compounds 2a(a) quot. 1646.)
ΘΚΠ
society > occupation and work > materials > derived or manufactured material > clay compositions > baked clay > pottery or ceramics > [noun] > glazed
China-metal1599
faience1670
redware1699
salt glaze1968
society > occupation and work > materials > derived or manufactured material > clay compositions > baked clay > pottery or ceramics > [noun] > porcelain
porcelainc1530
China-metal1599
1599 J. Minsheu Pleasant Dialogues Spanish & Eng. 12 in R. Percyvall & J. Minsheu Spanish Gram. If a man will serue his turne with glasse, or China mettall [margin. i. the fine dishes of earth painted such as are brought from Venice], or earth.
1673 A. Walker Leez Lachrymans 13 Their Venice-glass, and Purslane and China-Metal, cracks with as slight a blow as pots of courser Clay.
Derivatives
ˈChina-ˌmetalled adj.
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1642 D. Rogers Naaman 227 How oft have I thought my fine wits and China-mettall'd understanding too dainty for thy matters.
This entry has not yet been fully updated (first published 1889; most recently modified version published online June 2019).
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n.1599