smoothing

2 definitions found

smoothing - Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 :

  Smooth \Smooth\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Smoothed (sm[=oo]thd); p.
     pr. & vb. n. Smoothing.] [OE. smothen, smethen, AS.
     sm[=e][eth]ian; cf. LG. sm["o]den. See Smooth, a.]
     To make smooth; to make even on the surface by any means; as,
     to smooth a board with a plane; to smooth cloth with an iron.
     Specifically: 
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     (a) To free from obstruction; to make easy.
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               Thou, Abelard! the last sad office pay,
               And smooth my passage to the realms of day. --Pope.
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     (b) To free from harshness; to make flowing.
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               In their motions harmony divine
               So smooths her charming tones that God's own ear
               Listens delighted.                   --Milton.
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     (c) To palliate; to gloze; as, to smooth over a fault.
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     (d) To give a smooth or calm appearance to.
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               Each perturbation smoothed with outward calm.
                                                    --Milton.
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     (e) To ease; to regulate. --Dryden.
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  Smoothing \Smooth"ing\, a. & n.
     fr. Smooth, v.
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     Smoothing iron, an iron instrument with a polished face,
        for smoothing clothes; a sadiron; a flatiron.
  
     Smoothing plane, a short, finely set plane, for smoothing
        and finishing work.
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