v. (bb) 1 move something, esp. one’s hand, with firm pressure over the surface of. 2 (usu. foil. 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 foil. 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.
