furbish

1 of 2

verb

fur·​bish ˈfər-bish 

furbished; furbishing; furbishes

transitive verb

1

: to make lustrous : polish

2

: to give a new look to : renovate

—often used with up

furbisher noun

furbisher

2 of 2

noun

fur·​bish·​er

-shə(r)

plural -s

archaic

: one that furbishes

especially : one that furbishes arms and armor

Synonyms of furbish

Verb

• polish
• rub
• smooth

Examples of furbish in a Sentence

Verb

the warrior furbished his sword and shield so that they glinted in the sunlight

Word History

Etymology

Verb

Middle English furbisshen, from Anglo-French furbiss-, stem of furbir, of Germanic origin; akin to Old High German furben to polish

Noun

Middle English furbissher, from furbisshen + -er

First Known Use

Verb

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for furbish

• refurbish