What is "tawing"

Taw \Taw\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Tawed; p. pr. & vb. n. Tawing.] [OE. tawen, tewen, AS. t[=a]wian to prepare; cf. D. touwen, Goth. t[=e]wa order, taujan to do, and E. tool.

1. To prepare or dress, as hemp, by beating; to tew; hence, to beat; to scourge. [Obs.]
   --Beau. & Fl.

2. To dress and prepare, as the skins of sheep, lambs, goats, and kids, for gloves, and the like, by imbuing them with alum, salt, and other agents, for softening and bleaching them.

vb. (present participle of taw English)