Definition of "hair-powder" [hair-powder]

• A scented white powder used to sprinkle upon the hair of the head, in very general use in hair-dressing in the eighteenth century. An English law required it to be made exclusively of starch, but flour was sometimes used. (noun)

The Century Dictionary (Public Domain)

• "He wore neither peruke nor hair-powder; and his chestnut locks, curling close to his head like those of an antique statue, showed not the least touch of time, though the owner must have been at least fifty."
• "He would whirl my paternal cane out of my hand, box my hair-powder out of my ears."
• "I think the loss of the hair-powder afflicted her most; but she said not a word even about that."