(In the textile industry) a machine used to soften fabric or fibres, especially rough fibres such as jute and hemp; (formerly also) †a similar machine used to soften hides as a preliminary process in manufacturing leather (obsolete).
Origin
Mid 19th century; earliest use found in Leeds Intelligencer.
Definition of softening machine in US English:
softening machine
noun
(In the textile industry) a machine used to soften fabric or fibres, especially rough fibres such as jute and hemp; (formerly also) †a similar machine used to soften hides as a preliminary process in manufacturing leather (obsolete).
Origin
Mid 19th century; earliest use found in Leeds Intelligencer.