"rub" Definition

Definitions for the word "rub" from multiple English dictionaries.

1. v. t.
To subject (a body) to the action of something moving over its surface with pressure and friction, especially to the action of something moving back and forth; as, to rub the flesh with the hand; to rub wood with sandpaper.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
2. v. t.
To move over the surface of (a body) with pressure and friction; to graze; to chafe; as, the boat rubs the ground.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
3. v. t.
To cause (a body) to move with pressure and friction along a surface; as, to rub the hand over the body.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
4. v. t.
To spread a substance thinly over; to smear.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
5. v. t.
To scour; to burnish; to polish; to brighten; to cleanse; -- often with up or over; as, to rub up silver.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
6. v. t.
To hinder; to cross; to thwart.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
7. v. i.
To move along the surface of a body with pressure; to grate; as, a wheel rubs against the gatepost.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
8. v. i.
To fret; to chafe; as, to rub upon a sore.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
9. v. i.
To move or pass with difficulty; as, to rub through woods, as huntsmen; to rub through the world.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
10. n.
The act of rubbing; friction.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
11. n.
That which rubs; that which tends to hinder or obstruct motion or progress; hindrance; obstruction, an impediment; especially, a difficulty or obstruction hard to overcome; a pinch.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
12. n.
Inequality of surface, as of the ground in the game of bowls; unevenness.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
13. n.
Something grating to the feelings; sarcasm; joke; as, a hard rub.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
14. n.
Imperfection; failing; fault.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
15. n.
A chance.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
16. n.
A stone, commonly flat, used to sharpen cutting tools; a whetstone; -- called also rubstone.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
17. v.
(-bb-) 1 move something, esp. One''s hand, with firm pressure over the surface of. 2 (usu. Foll. By against, in, on, over) apply (one''s hand etc.) In this way. 3 clean, polish, chafe, or make dry, sore, or bare by rubbing. 4 (foll. By in, into, through, over) apply (polish etc.) By rubbing. 5 (often foll. By together, against, on) move with contact or friction or slide (objects) against each other. 6 (of cloth, skin, etc.) Become frayed, worn, sore, or bare with friction. n. 1 act or spell of rubbing (give it a rub). 2 impediment or difficulty (there''s the rub). rub along colloq. Cope or manage routinely. Rub down dry, smooth, or clean by rubbing. Rub it in (or rub a person''s nose in it) emphasize or repeat an embarrassing fact etc. Rub off 1 (usu. Foll. By on) be transferred by contact, be transmitted (his attitudes have rubbed off on me). 2 remove by rubbing. Rub out erase with a rubber. Rub shoulders with associate with. Rub up 1 polish. 2 brush up (a subject or one''s memory). Rub up the wrong way irritate. [low german]
Source: Oxford English Dictionary, 1884
18. slang
a quarrel or impediment; “there’s the RUB,” _i.e._, that is the difficulty.—_Shakspeare and L’Estrange._
Source: The Slang Dictionary, 1864

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Additional Info
This page provides a list of definitions and meanings for "rub" from various historical English dictionaries. By displaying multiple definitions, you can compare and contrast different meanings and nuances of a word, phrase, or slang. You can also see the changes in meaning of "rub" over time by viewing the definitions from different dictionaries published at different times in history. The page also includes other information to help users expand their vocabulary and understand the context of the word.

Important Notes
The definitions for words, phrases and slang (such as "rub") in this dictionary are sourced from multiple sources - including sources historical in nature. The sources may contain outdated, inaccurate or even offensive information when viewed from a modern context. It is important to consider the date the dictionary was published and view such content from a historical perspective and consider that the meanings, interpretations and usage of words may have evolved over time. Users should cross-reference this information with contemporary sources for a more complete understanding.

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