Defn: Serving to fix colors.
MORDANT
Mor"dant, n. Etym: [F., originally, biting.]
1. Any corroding substance used in etching.
2. (Dyeing & Calico Printing)
Defn: 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)
Defn: Any sticky matter by which the gold leaf is made to adhere.
MORDANT
Mor"dant, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Mordanted; p. pr. & vb. n. Mordanting.]
Defn: To subject to the action of, or imbue with, a mordant; as, to mordant goods for dyeing.
MORDANTLY
Mor"dant*ly, adv.