rub

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: opted

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: opted

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: opted

4. v. t. To spread a substance thinly over; to smear. Source: opted

5. v. t. To scour; to burnish; to polish; to brighten; to cleanse; -- often with up or over; as, to rub up silver. Source: opted

6. v. t. To hinder; to cross; to thwart. Source: opted

7. v. i. To move along the surface of a body with pressure; to grate; as, a wheel rubs against the gatepost. Source: opted

8. v. i. To fret; to chafe; as, to rub upon a sore. Source: opted

9. v. i. To move or pass with difficulty; as, to rub through woods, as huntsmen; to rub through the world. Source: opted

10. n. The act of rubbing; friction. Source: opted

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: opted

12. n. Inequality of surface, as of the ground in the game of bowls; unevenness. Source: opted

13. n. Something grating to the feelings; sarcasm; joke; as, a hard rub. Source: opted

14. n. Imperfection; failing; fault. Source: opted

15. n. A chance. Source: opted

16. n. A stone, commonly flat, used to sharpen cutting tools; a whetstone; -- called also rubstone. Source: opted

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