(1) A material such as starch, gelatin, casein, gums, oils, waxes, asphalt emulsions, silicones, rosin, and water-soluble polymers applied to yarns, fabrics, paper, leather, and other products to improve or increase their stiffness, strength, smoothness, or weight. (2) A material used to modify the cooked starch solutions applied to warp ends prior to weaving.See Slashing Compound.