-etching-

n. 1. The act, art, or practice of engraving by means of acid which eats away lines or surfaces left unprotected in metal, glass, or the like. See Etch, v. t. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. A design carried out by means of the above process; a pattern on metal, glass, etc., produced by etching. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. An impression on paper, parchment, or other material, taken in ink from an etched plate. [ 1913 Webster ]

Etching figures (Min.), markings produced on the face of a crystal by the action of an appropriate solvent. They have usually a definite form, and are important as revealing the molecular structure. --
Etching needle, a sharp-pointed steel instrument with which lines are drawn in the ground or varnish in etching. --
Etching stitch (Needlework), a stitch used outline embroidery. [ 1913 Webster ]