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.
Derivatives:
etcher n.
Etymology: Du. etsen f. G {auml}tzen etch f. OHG azzen cause to eat or to be eaten f. Gmc