from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Pounce \Pounce\, n. [F. ponce pumice, pounce, fr. L. pumex,
-icis, pumice. See {Pumice}.]
1. A fine powder, as of sandarac, or cuttlefish bone, --
formerly used to prevent ink from spreading on manuscript.
[1913 Webster]
2. Charcoal dust, or some other colored powder for making
patterns through perforated designs, -- used by
embroiderers, lace makers, etc.
[1913 Webster]
{Pounce box}, a box for sprinkling pounce.
{Pounce paper}, a transparent paper for tracing.
[1913 Webster]