n. & v.
n. (pl. -ies) 1 a cement made from whiting and raw linseed oil, used for fixing panes of glass, filling holes in woodwork, etc. 2 a fine white mortar of lime and water, used in pointing brickwork, etc. 3 a polishing powder usu. made from tin oxide, used in jewellery work.
v.tr. (-ies, -ied) cover, fix, join, or fill up with putty. putty in a person's hands someone who is overcompliant, or easily influenced.
[ F potée, lit. potful ]