Parchment

Parchment, skin of sheep, goats, or calves, which is cleaned, stretched, and rubbed with pumice or chalk to make a material that can be written on, used to make drumheads, or bookbinding. Invented in the 2nd century B.C. as a substitute for papyrus, parchment was widely used until superseded by paper in the 15th century. Vellum is fine-quality parchment.

See also: Paper.