from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Brush \Brush\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Brushed} (br[u^]sht); p. pr.
& vb. n. {Brushing}.] [OE. bruschen; cf. F. brosser. See
{Brush}, n.]
1. To apply a brush to, according to its particular use; to
rub, smooth, clean, paint, etc., with a brush. "A' brushes
his hat o' mornings." --Shak.
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2. To touch in passing, or to pass lightly over, as with a
brush.
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Some spread their sailes, some with strong oars
sweep
The waters smooth, and brush the buxom wave.
--Fairfax.
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Brushed with the kiss of rustling wings. --Milton.
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3. To remove or gather by brushing, or by an act like that of
brushing, or by passing lightly over, as wind; -- commonly
with off.
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As wicked dew as e'er my mother brushed
With raven's feather from unwholesome fen. --Shak.
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And from the boughts brush off the evil dew.
--Milton.
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{To brush aside}, to remove from one's way, as with a brush.
{To brush away}, to remove, as with a brush or brushing
motion.
{To brush up}, to paint, or make clean or bright with a
brush; to cleanse or improve; to renew.
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You have commissioned me to paint your shop, and I
have done my best to brush you up like your
neighbors. --Pope.
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