sgraffito

noun sgraf·fi·to \zgra-ˈfē-(ˌ)tō, skra-\

plural sgraf·fi·ti\-(ˌ)tē\

Definition of SGRAFFITO

: decoration by cutting away parts of a surface layer (as of plaster or clay) to expose a different colored ground — compare graffito

: something (as traditional Pennsylvania Dutch pottery) decorated with sgraffito

Italian, from past participle of sgraffire to scratch, produce sgraffito

First Known Use: circa 1730

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