■ noun
1》 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.
2》 a polishing powder, usually made from tin oxide, used in jewellery work.
■ verb ( putties , ~ing , puttied ) seal or cover with ~.
Phrases
be ( like ) ~ in someone's hands be easily manipulated by someone.
Origin
C17: from Fr. potée , lit. 'potful'.