noun
- Plural of packwax; the neck ligament of an animal, especially a horse or ox, used historically in making bowstrings or other cordage.
Usage: archaic; chiefly historical
Examples
- Medieval archers valued packwaxes from strong animals for crafting durable bowstrings.
- The butcher saved the packwaxes from the slaughtered cattle for sale to craftspeople.
- Packwaxes were once a common trade commodity in rural communities.
- Historical records show that packwaxes were exported for use in rope-making.
- The elasticity of packwaxes made them ideal for applications requiring flexibility and strength.