n. & v.
--n.
1. a method of printing or engraving in which the surface of a plate is roughened by scraping so that it produces tones and half-tones.
2 a print produced by this process.
--v.tr. engrave in mezzotint.
Derivatives:
mezzotinter n.
Etymology: It. mezzotinto f. mezzo half + tinto tint