Word Study
gesso
CIDE DICTIONARY
gesso, n. [It., chalk, plaster.].
- Plaster of Paris, or gypsum, esp. as prepared for use in painting, or in making bas-reliefs and the like; by extension, a plasterlike or pasty material spread upon a surface to fit it for painting or gilding, or a surface so prepared. [Webster 1913 Suppl.]
- A work of art done in gesso. [Webster 1913 Suppl.]
OXFORD DICTIONARY
gesso, n. (pl. -oes) plaster of Paris or gypsum as used in painting or sculpture.
Etymology
It. f. L gypsum: see GYPSUM
For further exploring for "gesso" in Webster Dictionary Online