burnish

views updated May 21 2018

bur·nish / ˈbərnish/ • v. [tr.] [usu. as adj.] (burnished) polish (something, esp. metal) by rubbing: highly burnished armor. ∎ fig. enhance or perfect (something such as a reputation or a skill).• n. [in sing.] the shine on a highly polished surface.DERIVATIVES: bur·nish·er n.

The Oxford Pocket Dictionary of Current English

burnish

views updated May 18 2018

burnish XIV. f. burniss-, lengthened stem (see -ISH2) of OF. burnir, var. of brunir, f. brun BROWN.

The Concise Oxford Dictionary of English Etymology T. F. HOAD

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burnish

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