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English
Alternative forms
Noun
rub-up (plural rub-ups)
- The action of rubbing, for example polishing or massaging.
1841, Thomas Miller, chapter 26, in Gideon Giles, the Roper, 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,
- 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?’
- The act of bringing old information to the front of one's memory.
- Synonyms: review, revision
- (Caribbean) A party, especially one that is spontaneous and involves music and dancing.
- (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,
- 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.
- (slang, obsolete) The act of masturbating.
to do a rub-up
References
- ^ Frederic G. Cassidy, Dictionary of Jamaican English, University of the West Indies Press, 2002.
- ^ J.S. Farmer and W.E. Henley, Slang and Its Analogues, New York: Arno Press, 1970.