1. plural of blacking; dark substances or preparations used to make something black, especially shoe polish or stove polish
Usage: countable noun; often used in historical or domestic contexts
2. instances or acts of making something black; darkening or blackening
Usage: less common usage

Examples

• The servant applied various blackings to restore the shine of the leather boots.
• Different blackings were used for different types of shoes in the Victorian era.
• She kept several jars of blackings in the pantry for household maintenance.
• The blackings left stains on her apron during the polishing work.
• Commercial blackings made shoe care much easier than homemade preparations.