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vat(1) (iou)



vat noun1. [vat] ME.
[Southern and western var. of FAT noun1.]
A tub, tank, cask, or other large vessel used to hold a liquid, esp. fermenting beer, chemical preparations for dyeing or tanning, etc. ME.
A cask, barrel, or other vessel for holding or storing dry goods. Formerly, a measure of capacity for coal. ME.
Dyeing. A dyeing liquor that contains a reduced vat dye. Usu. with specifying word. M18.
Comb.: vat dye, vat dyestuff a water-insoluble dye that is applied as an alkaline solution of a soluble leuco-form, the colour being obtained by oxidation; vat-man Paper-making a workman who lifts the pulp from the vat and moulds the sheets of paper.
vatful noun as much or as many as a vat will hold M17.