Etched, Etching. Lettering or design created by use of acid and a ground (of wax or other resistant material). The metal surface is coated with the ground, lettering or design is inscribed where intended (wax removed down to the metal surface), acid applied to etch the exposed surface, then the protective wax is removed. Produces incised area where inscribed or wax removed. In medallic art such etching is occasionally used to inscribe an existing medal with lettering, figures to customize the piece; this can even

be accomplished on the edge. See acid etching.