goffering: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
RareHistorical / Archaic / Specialised
Quick answer
What does “goffering” mean?
The act or process of crimping, pleating, or fluting fabric, especially lace or linen, typically with a heated iron.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The act or process of crimping, pleating, or fluting fabric, especially lace or linen, typically with a heated iron.
Can refer to any intricate, wavy, or crimped pattern resembling the ruffled edges created by goffering irons. In a broader sense, it denotes the creation of ornamental, frilled, or corrugated designs on a surface.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Identical in meaning. Slightly more common in British historical texts, but the term is equally obscure in both dialects.
Connotations
Evokes craftsmanship, historical domesticity, and often intricate, decorative, and somewhat fussy detail.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in modern use. Encountered almost exclusively in historical novels, costume design texts, or museum descriptions.
Grammar
How to Use “goffering” in a Sentence
noun + of + goffering (e.g., 'the goffering of the lace')adjective + goffering (e.g., 'intricate goffering')Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “goffering” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- She spent the afternoon goffering the linen cuffs for the period drama.
American English
- The costume designer goffered the edges of the petticoat to achieve an authentic look.
adjective
British English
- The goffering irons were laid out neatly on the worktable.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used in historical, art history, or fashion studies texts describing historical textile techniques.
Everyday
Virtually never used.
Technical
Used in very niche circles of historical garment reproduction, textile conservation, and museum curation.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “goffering”
- Confusing 'goffering' with 'gauffering' (an alternative, less common spelling).
- Using it as a general synonym for 'ironing'.
- Pronouncing it with a soft 'g' (as in 'gem').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is largely obsolete except among historical reenactors, costume makers for period dramas, and textile conservators.
A goffering iron is a specialized heated tool, often with a cylindrical or fluted end, used to press and shape fabric into crimps or flutes.
Goffering is a specific type of pleating or fluting, often creating tighter, more ornamental waves, historically done on fine fabrics like lace or lawn with a heated tool.
Yes, though rare. The verb is 'to goffer' (e.g., 'She goffered the cuff'). The present participle 'goffering' can function as a gerund (noun) or adjective.
The act or process of crimping, pleating, or fluting fabric, especially lace or linen, typically with a heated iron.
Goffering is usually historical / archaic / specialised in register.
Goffering: in British English it is pronounced /ˈɡɒfərɪŋ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈɡɑːfərɪŋ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a GOFFer kicking a football with a spinning, wavy motion—the ball's path resembles the crimped pattern of 'goffering' on fabric.
Conceptual Metaphor
ORNAMENTATION AS WAVES/CONVOLUTION; a controlled, patterned disturbance on a flat surface.
Practice
Quiz
What is 'goffering' primarily associated with?