Min. Obs. Also 6–7 spawd(e, 7 spaud. [ad. obs. G. spad, spade, varr. of spat SPATH1.] A variety of talc, gypsum, or spar, or a powder prepared from one or other of these, mainly used to form molds for casting metal objects.
1594. Plat, Jewell-ho., IV. 44. I haue seene oftentimes many good patternes of mettall, cast off very sharpely in spawde alone, but … you must sprincle the spawd with some moisture.
1651. French, Distill., v. 172. He that casts them [sc. antimony cups] must be skilfull in making his spawde.
1686. Plot, Staffordsh., 154. [A sand] is sent for by Artists living at a great distance, and used by them as a spaud to cast Metalls with.
a. 1728. Woodward, Fossils, 14. English Talc, of which the coarser Sort is call’d Plaister, or Parget, the finer, Spaad, [or] Earth-Flax.
1738. Chambers, Cycl., s.v., The various kinds of spaad are found pretty frequently in England and Germany;… they are all soft, and easily pulverized.
