What is "brushing"

Brush \Brush\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Brushed (br[u^]sht); p. pr. & vb. n. Brushing.] [OE. bruschen; cf. F. brosser. See Brush, n.]

1. To apply a brush to, according to its particular use; to rub, smooth, clean, paint, etc., with a brush. ``A' brushes his hat o' mornings.''
   --Shak.

2. To touch in passing, or to pass lightly over, as with a brush.

   Some spread their sailes, some with strong oars sweep The waters smooth, and brush the buxom wave.
   --Fairfax.

   Brushed with the kiss of rustling wings.
   --Milton.

3. To remove or gather by brushing, or by an act like that of brushing, or by passing lightly over, as wind; -- commonly with off.

   As wicked dew as e'er my mother brushed With raven's feather from unwholesome fen.
   --Shak.

   And from the boughts brush off the evil dew.
   --Milton.

   To brush aside, to remove from one's way, as with a brush.

   To brush away, to remove, as with a brush or brushing motion.

   To brush up, to paint, or make clean or bright with a brush; to cleanse or improve; to renew.

   You have commissioned me to paint your shop, and I have done my best to brush you up like your neighbors.
   --Pope.

Brushing \Brush"ing\, a.

1. Constructed or used to brush with; as a brushing machine.

2. Brisk; light; as, a brushing gallop.

1. (context dated English) brisk; light n. An instance of brushing. v

2. (present participle of brush English)

1. n. the act of brushing your teeth; "the dentist recommended two brushes a day" [syn: brush]

2. the act of brushing your hair; "he gave his hair a quick brush" [syn: brush]

Brushing may refer to:

• tooth brushing
• wire brushing
• brushing and linking, a human–computer interaction technique
• Endobronchial brushing, a technique of bronchoscopy
• a collective technique for tending of trees, including
  • Pruning
  • Clipping
  • Girdling