Burnish
Origin
From Old French burnir, from its stem burniss-, variant of brunir ("to polish, make brown").
Full definition of burnish
Verb
- (transitive) To make smooth or shiny by rubbing; to polish; to shine.In pottery, a stone is sometimes used to burnish a pot before firing, giving it a smooth, shiny look.
- DrydenThe frame of burnished steel, that cast a glare
From far, and seemed to thaw the freezing air. - CunninghamNow the village windows blaze,
Burnished by the setting sun. - (intransitive) To shine forth; to brighten; to become smooth and glossy, as from swelling or filling out; hence, to grow large.
- DrydenA slender poet must have time to grow,
And spread and burnish as his brothers do. - HerbertMy thoughts began to burnish, sprout, and swell.