rub-up
See also: rub up
English
editAlternative forms
editNoun
edit- The action of rubbing, for example polishing or massaging.
- 1841, Thomas Miller, chapter 26, in Gideon Giles, the Roper[3], London: J. Hayward, page 212:
- […] Ben laid them [the knives and forks] side by side, counted them, and finding the number agree with his guests, said, “They’ll dow capital when they’ve had a bit of a rub up.”
- 1910, Joseph Conrad, “The Secret Sharer” in ’Twixt Land and Sea, New York: Hodder & Stoughton, p. 168,[4]
- He was still lingering in the pantry in the greatness of his zeal, giving a rub-up to a plated cruet stand the last thing before going to bed.
- 1972, Dora Jessie Saint (as Miss Read), Tyler’s Row, Penguin, 1975, Part 1, Chapter 5, p. 51,[5]
- ‘I should think all your lovely things get a rub-up weekly,’ said Diana, handing back the box. ‘Does anyone come to help you?’
- The act of bringing old information to the front of one's memory.
- (Caribbean) A party, especially one that is spontaneous and involves music and dancing.[1]
- (obsolete) An encounter (with someone).
- 1889, Stevenson Arthur Blackwood, letter to his wife, cited in Some Records of the Life of Stevenson Arthur Blackwood, K.C.B., London: Hodder and Stoughton, p. 453,[6]
- Altogether, it has been a most enjoyable trip to me. As much or as little company as I chose, and a rub up against a number of old acquaintances of all sorts.
- 1889, Stevenson Arthur Blackwood, letter to his wife, cited in Some Records of the Life of Stevenson Arthur Blackwood, K.C.B., London: Hodder and Stoughton, p. 453,[6]
- (slang, obsolete) The act of masturbating.[2]
- to do a rub-up