What does "loam" mean?

Loam: (Founding) A mixture of sand, clay, and other materials, used in making molds for large castings, often without a pattern. Loam mold (Founding), a mold made with loam. See Loam, n., 2. -- Loam molding, the process or business of making loam molds. Loam plate, an iron plate upon which a section of a loam mold rests, or from which it is suspended. -- Loam work, loam molding or loam molds.