Italian iron

Definitions

A tool used to goffer textiles or to smooth ruffles or frills.

historical

Examples

“Goffering is done with an Italian iron⟳, but it is not suitable for narrow or very delicate frilling, as it produces a stiff effect.”

“Very little has been written about the history of goffering irons, and no examples of this early period have⟳ been identified in English museums. Most of what is known is to be found in Lindsay (p. 36 and figs. 194-206), who notes that the tools were also known as tally irons—a corruption of “Italian irons,” whence the process⟳ is thought to have⟳ come⟳.”

CEFR level