frisket
UK[ˈfrɪskɪt]US[ˈfrɪskɪt]
n
A thin frame or mask used in printing to protect certain areas of a sheet or plate from ink.
n
A similar protective device used in other processes, such as airbrushing or photography.
Morpheme Breakdown
frisk
et
frisk
lively
et
diminutive suffix
Etymology
The word 'frisket' entered English in the late 17th century from the French term frisquette. Its core morpheme, 'frisk', originates from a Germanic root meaning lively or brisk. In the specialized context of printing, this sense of liveliness or quick movement was metaphorically applied to a light, movable frame. The diminutive suffix '-et' reinforces the notion of a small, handy tool. Thus, the term evolved from a descriptor of motion to the name for a specific, agile piece of printing equipment designed for swift placement and removal.
Analysis
Structure: frisk (lively) + et (diminutive suffix)
frisk (from Middle French frisque, meaning lively, brisk, of Germanic origin) + et (a diminutive suffix from Old French -et, of Latin origin -ittus).
Examples
The printer carefully positioned the frisket before applying ink to the plate.
For the second color, a new frisket was cut to expose only the desired areas.
An airbrush artist uses a frisket film to mask off sections of the illustration.