JAPAN-EARTH, n. Catechu, a combination of gummy and resinous matter, obtained from the juice of a species of palm tree.
Japan-earth or catechu, is obtained by decoction and evaporation from a species of Mimosa. It consists chiefly of tannin combined with a peculiar species of extractive.
JAPAN', v.t. To varnish in the manner of the Japanese.
1. To black and gloss, as in blacking shoes or boots.
