This historic title identifies a female worker or proprietor who casts metal objects by pouring liquid material into molds. While the gendered distinction is largely abandoned in shop environments in favor of the universal title of founder, it appears frequently in early industrial records and old foundry logs. A foundress typically managed the same heavy crucible work, sand molding and pouring operations as her male counterparts.
Heard on the job
The records show a foundress ran the bell casting pit after her husband passed away.
Insider tip
You will mostly encounter this word when tracing the provenance of historic cast iron pieces or old bronze bells.