Fleshing (/ˈflɛʃɪŋ/) is the process by which animal hides are thinned and smoothed for use in leather products. The spelling of the word comes from the root word "flesh," which refers to the skin and musculature of an animal. The "ing" suffix denotes the present participle form of the verb, indicating ongoing action. The IPA phonetic transcription of the word reflects the pronunciation of the initial "fl" blend, followed by the short e vowel sound and the "sh" sound formed by the combination of the letters "s" and "h."
Fleshing is a term that can be used in various contexts, but its most common definition refers to a specific process or action pertaining to the handling of animal hides or skins in the leather industry.
In this sense, fleshing is the procedure of removing residual flesh, connective tissues, and other unwanted materials from the inner side of a freshly skinned animal hide. This is typically done using a specialized tool called a fleshing knife or fleshing beam, which allows workers to scrape away the excess material and attain a smoother and more even surface. The fleshing process is crucial for preparing the hide for further treatment, such as tanning and dyeing, as it helps to ensure better adhesion of chemicals, prevent putrefaction, and produce a quality leather product.
However, it is important to note that "fleshing" can also be used metaphorically or in different domains. For instance, in the art world, fleshing refers to the art of rendering human or animal anatomy in a lifelike manner. In literary contexts, it can describe the process of adding depth and realism to characters, particularly in terms of their physical attributes and behaviors. In rare instances, "fleshing" can even be used to describe a form of punishment or coercion involving bodily harm, but such uses are highly specific and not as commonly encountered.
The word "fleshing" has its origins in the Middle English term "flesshen", which dates back to the 14th century. It is derived from the Old English word "flǣsc", meaning "flesh". This Old English term can be traced back to the Proto-Germanic word "flaiska", which has the same meaning. The ultimate origin of the word is uncertain, but it is believed to have Indo-European roots. The term "fleshing" specifically refers to the process of removing flesh or fat from the skin of an animal during tanning or taxidermy.