Word Study
bistre
CIDE DICTIONARY
bistre, n. [F. bistre a color made of soot; of unknown origin. Cf., however, LG. biester frowning, dark, ugly.].
A dark brown pigment extracted from the soot of wood. [1913 Webster]
bistre, n.
See Bister. [1913 Webster]
OXFORD DICTIONARY
bistre, n. & adj. (US bister)
--n.
1 a brownish pigment made from the soot of burnt wood.
2 the brownish colour of this.
--adj. of this colour.
--n.
1 a brownish pigment made from the soot of burnt wood.
2 the brownish colour of this.
--adj. of this colour.
Etymology
F, of unkn. orig.
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