[a. F. torcher to wipe, daub, rough-cast, build or plaster with clay mixed with chopped straw, etc., f. torche twisted straw, etc. (the same word originally as torche TORCH sb.).] trans. In plastering, To point the inside joints of slating laid on lath with lime hair mortar.
a. 1850. [Remembered in use by workmen in Oxford].
1851. [implied in TORCHER2].
1882. in Ogilvie (Annandale).
1895. Jrnl. R. Inst. Brit. Archit., 14 March, 351. The roof should be torched—not bedded.
Hence Torching vbl. sb., pointing or daubing of this kind: see also TORCHER2.
