Meaning

The action of rubbing, for example polishing or massaging..

Definitions by Sense

1. The action of rubbing, for example polishing or massaging.
2. The act of bringing old information to the front of one's memory.
3. (Caribbean) A party, especially one that is spontaneous and involves music and dancing.
4. (obsolete) An encounter (with someone).
5. (slang, obsolete) The act of masturbating.

Example Sentences

1910, Joseph Conrad, “The Secret Sharer” in ’Twixt Land and Sea, New York: Hodder & Stoughton, p. 168, 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, ‘I should think all your lovely things get a rub-up weekly,’ said Diana, handing back the box. ‘Does anyone come to help you?’

[…] 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.”

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, 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.

to do a rub-up

Word Forms

• rub-ups
• rubup
• rub up

Synonyms for rub-up

Related Words

When Should You Use Rub-up?

Use rub-up when its meaning, tone and grammar fit the full sentence. A synonym is not always a direct replacement.

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