Also 6 blauncher, branchar, 7 -er. [f. BLANCH v.1 + -ER.]

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  1.  He who or that which blanches or makes white.

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1852.  D. Moir, Miner Peru, Wks. II. 171. The tottering step, Proclaimed Time’s ravages, blancher of the hair.

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  2.  spec. One who blanches metals or money (see BLANCH v.1 1 b. and c.).

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1578.  Ord. R. Househ., 2 Eliz., 256. The Mynte … Branchars 2; fee apeece 13l. 6s. 8d.

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1647.  Haward, Crown Rev., 23. Two Blanchers [in the Mint].

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1728.  Rutty, in Phil. Trans., XXXV. 635. Kept … a Secret by the Blancher.

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1766.  Entick, London, IV. 342. Melters, blanchers, moniers.

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  b.  A chemical agent used for blanching.

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1477.  Norton, Ord. Alch., iii. in Ashmole (1652), 39. In Malgams, in Blanchers and Citrinacions.

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1594.  Plat, Jewell-ho., I. 20. The Alcumists giue a blauncher vnto Venus with the salt of Tartar.

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1667.  Boyle, Orig. Formes & Qual. To make Blanchers for Copper.

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