What is "shamoying"

Shamoying \Sha*moy"ing\, n. [See Shammy.] A process used in preparing certain kinds of leather, which consists in frizzing the skin, and working oil into it to supply the place of the astringent (tannin, alum, or the like) ordinarily used in tanning.

n. A process used in preparing certain kinds of leather, which consists of frizzing the skin and working oil into it to supply the place of the astringent (tannin, alum, etc.) ordinarily used in tanning.