Emily Dickinson Lexicon

RINSE, v.t. [rins; Sw. rensa or rena, to cleanse or purify; Dan. renser, to clean, to purge, to purify, to scour; Sax. rein, D. and G. rein, clean; Fr. rincer; Arm. rinsa, rinsein. This word is probably from the same radix as the Gr. ραινω, and ραντιζω, to sprinkle. Our common people pronounce this word rens, retaining their native pronunciation. This is one of many instances in which the purity of our vernacular language has been corrupted by those who have understood French better than their mother tongue.]

1. To wash; to cleanse by washing. But in present usage,
2. To cleanse with a second or repeated application of water after washing. We distinguish washing from rinsing. Washing is performed by rubbing, or with the use of soap; rinsing is performed with clean water, without much rubbing or the use of soap. Clothes are rinsed by dipping and dashing; and vessels are rinsed by dashing water on them, or by slight rubbing. A close barrel may be rinsed, but can not well be washed.