jan 1, 1541 - boot-tree

Description:

Part of the shoemaker’s equipment; a shaped wooden block which could be placed inside a shoe to stretch it or keep it in shape. If it consisted of two sections a wedge could be driven between the two halves. (OED). The implement is first noted in 1541 and it is referred to under the headword ‘last’. However, the practice is much older and gave rise to a verb: <i>c</i>.1424 <i>Item pro forming et treyng j d ob</i>. (SS120/194).

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