latten
1
9.9
A yellow metal like brass hammered into thin sheets for church items
- noun
- Archaic
:
latón
- These old candlesticks were made of latten and have a distinct golden sheen.
Examples
-
Anne Lake Prescott has noted that M is punning on "Latin" (the language) and "latten" (a cheap brass).
Fiction book (1996) -
It is not a text, though perhaps a life of its own speaks from within it; and, having no money for silver, I love, love latten.
Fiction book (1996) -
Do you know what latten is?
Fiction book (1996) -
In the past, craftsmen often used latten to create beautiful church vessels.
-
The latten sheets were intricately hammered to form decorative pieces for the altar.
Surface Forms
Etymology
The word latten comes from an old French word laton meaning 'brass-like metal'. In medieval times craftspeople hammered latten into thin sheets for church cups and candle holders, so remembering 'brass' helps you know latten is a yellowish metal used for utensils.