collow

Etymology

From Middle English *colwen, *colȝen (attested in colwed, colwinge), from Old English *colgian, from Proto-West Germanic *koligōn (“to make black as coal, blacken with coal”).

collow means The black grime or soot of coal or burnt wood. Lexicurio rates it Sui generis — a strength score of 88 out of 100.

Why this word is great

COLLOW — [Noun, Verb] The black, ingrained grime of coal or burnt wood; to befoul with such particulate soot. From Middle English *colwen*, from Old English *colgian*, from Proto-West Germanic *koligōn*, meaning 'to make black as coal', ultimately derived from the root for 'coal'. Unlike a "smudge" (a light, accidental smear) or "besmirch" (which sullies honor), "collow" denotes a thick, carbonaceous filth born of combustion. It is the permanent shadow under a miner's fingernails, the greasy rime caking a chimney-sweep's cuff, the bitter patina on a hearthstone after a winter's burning—the tangible residue of a world warmed by its own slow, dirty work.

noun

The black grime or soot of coal or burnt wood.

verb

To make foul or dirty; begrime as with the smut of coal; blacken.