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Glite Dictionary
dubbin

dubbin

9.9
A wax you rub into leather to keep it soft and water-resistant
  • noun
  • /ˈdʌbɪn/
: dubbin
  • Apply a layer of dubbin to your boots to keep the leather supple and water-resistant.

Examples

  • He used dubbin after cleaning his hiking shoes to prolong their lifespan.

  • Traditional saddlers often recommend dubbin for protecting equestrian equipment from damp weather.

  • He applied some dubbin to the leather boots.

  • I need to buy some dubbin for my leather jacket.

  • To keep his leather shoes in good condition, he always applies a layer of dubbin before a rainy day.

  • She recommended using dubbin on the leather saddlebags to ensure they remain waterproof during rides.

  • Before going to the hiking trail, he treated his leather backpack with dubbin for added protection against the elements.

How Waterproof

dubbin
9.9
to wax
54 3.8

Surface Forms

dubbin singular
dubbins plural

Morphology

dubbin = dub (opaque) = dub + in

Formed from 'dub' + a dialectal '-in', but the verb sense 'to smear' is archaic/dialectal and unknown to most learners, so the meaning cannot be reliably inferred.

Etymology

Dubbin comes from an old verb dub meaning 'to smear' or 'to rub in'. So dubbin is the waxy, greasy stuff you smear into leather to make it soft and to keep water out.