tan-pit

I imagine a good tanner might in this colony tan the leather of the country, and cheaper than in France; I even imagine that the leather might there be brought to its perfection in less time; and what makes me think so, is, that I have heard it averred, that the Spanish leather is extremely good, and is never above three or four months in the tan-pit.

History of Louisisana Or of the Western Parts of Virginia and Carolina: Containing -1775 Le Page du Pratz

"And choked in thy vile tan-pit, for scurvier song was never heard, par Dex!"

The Geste of Duke Jocelyn Jeffery Farnol 1915

The cane was all gone, certainly, but had been replaced with green-hide seats (not green in colour, of course, only green in experience, never having seen a tan-pit).

We of the Never-Never Jeannie Gunn 1915

The rest hour was over and Constans's place was at the tan-pit.

The Doomsman Van Tassel Sutphen 1903

One was too far off, and looked into a tan-pit; another was too much in the middle of the town, next door to a machine-shop.

The Peterkin Papers Lucretia Peabody 1886

Ah, if the bark-mill, and the old mule, and the tan-pit, and the wood-pile, and the cornfield might testify!

Down the Ravine Mary Noailles Murfree 1886

One was too far off, and looked into a tan-pit, another was too much in the middle of the town, next door to

St. Nicholas Magazine for Boys and Girls, Vol. 5, May, 1878, No. 7. Scribner's Illustrated Various 1868

Now and then he was met by a strong scent, as of burning leather, from the oak-bark which some of the housewives used for fuel, after its essence had been exhausted in the tan-pit, but mostly the air was filled with the odour of burning peat.

Warlock o' Glenwarlock George MacDonald 1864

One was too far off, and looked into a tan-pit; another was too much in the middle of the town, next door to

The Peterkin Papers 1860

Young plants are sometimes grown without pots in propagating-pits; from which they are transferred, after being repotted, to what are called succession pits; and, after remaining there a long time, they are either removed to the tan-pit in the vinery to fruit, or to fruiting-pits.

The Lady's Country Companion: or, How to Enjoy a Country Life Rationally Jane 1845