Emily Dickinson Lexicon

BRUSH, v.t.

1. To sweep or rub with a brush; as, to brush a hat.
2. To strike as with a brush; to strike lightly, by passing over the surface, without injury, or impression; as, to brush the arm in passing; to brush the briny flood. – Dryden.
3. To paint with a brush: hence, to brush up is often used for cleansing in general. – Pope.
4. With off, to remove by brushing, as to brush off dust; also, to carry away by an act like that of brushing, or by passing over lightly, as by wind. – Bentley.
5. To move as a brush; to pass over with a light contact. – Dryden.