The word “cupel” refers to a small furnace or receptacle used in metallurgy, particularly in the process of refining metals. It is typically made of a porous material and is used to separate impurities from precious metals, such as gold or silver, by oxidizing the impurities. The process involves heating the metal in the cupel, which absorbs the lead and other contaminants, leaving behind the purer metal. The term can also refer to the act of performing this refining process.
