v. & n.
v. 1 a tr. reproduce (a picture etc.) by engraving a design on a metal plate with acid (esp. to print copies). b tr. engrave (a plate) in this way. 2 intr. practise this craft. 3 tr. (foll. by on, upon) impress deeply (esp. on the mind).
n. the action or process of etching. etcher n.
[ Du. etsen f. G tzen etch f. OHG azzen cause to eat or to be eaten f. Gmc ]