[f. prec.] To harden the felt on the bason in hat-making. Hence Basoned ppl. a., Basoning vbl. sb.
1727–51. Chambers, Cycl., s.v. Hat, The basoned hat being first dipt in the kettle.
1837. [see prec.]
1875. Ure, Dict. Arts, II. 784. Till the hat is basoned or rendered tolerably firm.
1885. (A hat-maker writes) ‘Basoning’ is the first part of the felting process for making hats from sheep’s wool or a mixture of sheep’s wool and rabbit’s fur.
