(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.
(v. t.) To move over the surface of (a body) with pressure and
friction; to graze; to chafe; as, the boat rubs the ground.
(v. t.) To cause (a body) to move with pressure and friction along
a surface; as, to rub the hand over the body.
(v. t.) To spread a substance thinly over; to smear.
(v. t.) To scour; to burnish; to polish; to brighten; to cleanse;
-- often with up or over; as, to rub up silver.
(v. t.) To hinder; to cross; to thwart.
(v. i.) To move along the surface of a body with pressure; to
grate; as, a wheel rubs against the gatepost.
(v. i.) To fret; to chafe; as, to rub upon a sore.
(v. i.) To move or pass with difficulty; as, to rub through woods,
as huntsmen; to rub through the world.
(n.) The act of rubbing; friction.
(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.
(n.) Inequality of surface, as of the ground in the game of bowls;
unevenness.
(n.) Something grating to the feelings; sarcasm; joke; as, a hard
rub.
(n.) Imperfection; failing; fault.
(n.) A chance.
(n.) A stone, commonly flat, used to sharpen cutting tools; a
whetstone; -- called also rubstone.
