Leathercraft

Part of speech: noun

Pronunciation: /ˈlɛðə(ɹ)ˌkɹæft/

Definitions

1. The craft that involves creating objects from animal hides utilizes methods like cutting, sewing, and decorating
2. A skilled activity focused on producing items from leather incorporates techniques such as dyeing, stitching, and shaping
3. The art and skill of making items from animal skins includes processes like cutting, stitching, and embossing

Etymology: Leathercraft is a plain compound: "leather" joined to "craft," the Old English "cræft," meaning skill or power, which in English came to mean a trade or practical skill. Combining the two gives a word for skill applied to working hides into goods such as bags, belts, saddles and wallets. The "craft" element is the more interesting part of the story. Its original sense was broad. Old English "cræft" could mean strength or ability as well as a particular art, and that broader sense survives in words like "witchcraft," where the element once simply meant knowledge or skill of a kind. Compounds with "craft" usually name a specific trade, which is why "leathercraft" reads as a category of practical work rather than a general ability.

Synonyms: leatherworking, leather artistry