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putty (n.)

1630s, "type of plasterer's cement," from French potée "polishing powder" (12c.), originally "pot-full, contents of a pot," from Old French pot "container" (see pot (n.1)). Meaning "soft mixture for sealing window panes" first recorded 1706. Figurative use in reference to one easily influenced is from 1924. Putty knife attested from 1834.

putty (v.)

1734, from putty (n.). Related: Puttied; puttying.

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Definitions of putty from WordNet
1
putty (v.)
apply putty in order to fix or fill;
putty the window sash
2
putty (n.)
a dough-like mixture of whiting and boiled linseed oil; used especially to patch woodwork or secure panes of glass;
From wordnet.princeton.edu