[n. of action f. L. torrefacĕre to TORREFY: see -TION and cf. F. torréfaction.] The process of drying or roasting by fire; the state or condition of being roasted.
1612. Woodall, Surg. Mate, Wks. (1653), 274. Torrefaction like siccation, but more violent.
1648. Bp. Hall, Serm. at Higham, Rem. Wks. (1660), 196. Here was not a scorching and blistering but a vehement and full torrefaction.
1758. Reid, trans. Macquer’s Chym., I. 155. The term calcination is generally used to express this torrefaction of antimony.
1829. Togno & Durand, trans. Edwards & Vavasseur’s Man. Mat. Med., 144. 189. The torrefaction to which coffee is subjected before employing it, gives it a light brown colour, and generates that perfume and exquisite taste which causes it to be so much sought for by almost every person.
1839. De Quincey, Casuistry Rom. Meals, Wks. 1859, III. 252. Ping … now for the first time tasted it [pig] in a state of torrefaction.
