dipping

n. 1. The act or process of immersing. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. The act of inclining downward. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. The act of lifting or moving a liquid with a dipper, ladle, or the like. [ 1913 Webster ]

4. The process of cleaning or brightening sheet metal or metalware, esp. brass, by dipping it in acids, etc. [ 1913 Webster ]

5. The practice of taking snuff by rubbing the teeth or gums with a stick or brush dipped in snuff. [ U.S. ] [ 1913 Webster ]

Dipping needle, a magnetic needle suspended at its center of gravity, and moving freely in a vertical plane, so as to indicate on a graduated circle the magnetic dip or inclination. [ 1913 Webster ]