*puddling*

n. 1. (Hydraul. Engin.) (a) The process of working clay, loam, pulverized ore, etc., with water, to render it compact, or impervious to liquids; also, the process of rendering anything impervious to liquids by means of puddled material. (b) Puddle. See Puddle, n., 2. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. (Metal.) The art or process of converting cast iron into wrought iron or steel by subjecting it to intense heat and frequent stirring in a reverberatory furnace in the presence of oxidizing substances, by which it is freed from a portion of its carbon and other impurities. [ 1913 Webster ]

Puddling furnace, a reverberatory furnace in which cast iron is converted into wrought iron or into steel by puddling. [ 1913 Webster ]