The Book of Household Management by Mrs. Beeton

357. BROWN SAUCES, generally speaking, should scarcely be so thick as

white sauces; and it is well to bear in mind, that all those which are intended to mask the various dishes of poultry or meat, should be of a sufficient consistency to slightly adhere to the fowls or joints over which they are poured. For browning and thickening sauces, &c., browned flour may be properly employed.