n.
- a malleable paste, made from ground chalk and raw linseed oil, that gradually hardens and is used for sealing glass in window frames.
▸a malleable substance used as a filler, modelling material, etc.
- a polishing powder, usually made from tin oxide, used in jewellery work.
v.
(putties, puttying, puttied)
seal or cover with putty.
Phrase
- be
(like)
putty in someone's hands
be easily manipulated by someone.
Etymology
C17: from Fr. potée, lit. ‘potful’.