brush

brush n

ME < OFr < L. 'brushwood'.

  1. Painting instrument; artist's tool; thin straight handle with a tip of fine hairs for applying wet color; [fig.] reflex; involuntary reaction; spiritual influence rather than physical.

brush [-ed] v

Fr. see brush, n.

  1. Sweep; move across; [fig.] scrub; scour; cleanse; polish; set in order; remove impurities.
  2. Graze; skim; touch lightly in passing; [fig.] sense; feel; perceive; tangibly experience.
  3. Shoo; dismiss; send away; set aside.