from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Erase \E*rase"\ ([-e]*r[=a]s"), v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Erased}
([-e]*r[=a]st"); p. pr. & vb. n.. {Erasing}.] [L. erasus, p.
p. of eradere to erase; e out + radere to scrape, scratch,
shave. See {Rase}.]
1. To rub or scrape out, as letters or characters written,
engraved, or painted; to efface; to expunge; to cross out;
as, to erase a word or a name.
[1913 Webster]
2. Fig.: To obliterate; to expunge; to blot out; -- used of
ideas in the mind or memory. --Burke.
[1913 Webster]