What does tannage mean?
Tannage is a chiefly British noun referring to the process of treating animal hides so that they become leather, as well as to the industry that carries out this work. Historically, tanning was an important craft and manufacturing sector, often located near dependable supplies of water because hides were soaked and processed in large vats or pits. In modern usage, “tannage” is more formal and less common than “tanning,” “leather industry,” or “tannery.” It can describe both the activity itself and the broader business surrounding it. The word is useful when referring to an established trade, regional industrial history, or the traditional stages of converting raw hides into leather.
nounThe process of tanning animal hides, or the business and industry involved in doing so.
- The process of tanning animal hides.
- The business or industry concerned with tanning hides.
"The tannage industry has traditionally been concentrated near rivers and other sources of water."
"The factory specialized in the tannage of sheepskins."
"Local rivers once supplied the water needed for the tannage industry."
Rare; the noun is normally used in the singular or as an uncountable mass noun.
"The old records mention several tannages along the river."
Before modern synthetic materials, the word “tannage” described the entire transformation of raw animal skins into durable leather.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does tannage come from?
“Tannage” was formed in English from “tan,” in the sense of treating hides with tannins, together with the suffix “-age,” which forms a noun of process, action, or result. “Tan” itself derives ultimately from a word related to the tanning material made from oak bark; the related English words include “tanner,” “tannery,” and “tannin.” The compound reflects the long-established process by which animal skins are converted into leather.
How tannage is actually used
The word is relatively formal and now chiefly British. It is usually uncountable; “tannages” is rare. In everyday American English, “tanning” is more common.
Easily confused with tannage
Tannage is a noun naming the process or industry, whereas tanning is more commonly the gerund or the act of treating hides.
A tannery is the building or workplace where hides are tanned; tannage refers to the process or business.