rub-up

plural rub-ups · alternative rubup · alternative rub up

1. The action of rubbing, for example polishing or massaging.

   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?’

   2 more examples

   […] 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.”

   1841, Thomas Miller, chapter 26, in Gideon Giles, the Roper, London: J. Hayward, page 212

   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.

2. The act of bringing old information to the front of one's memory.

   Synonyms: review, revision

3. CaribbeanA party, especially one that is spontaneous and involves music and dancing.
4. obsoleteAn encounter (with someone).

   1 more example

   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.

5. obsoleteslangThe act of masturbating.

   to do a rub-up