furbish

[ fur-bish ]

verb (used with object)

1. to restore to freshness of appearance or good condition (often followed by up ):

   to furbish a run-down neighborhood; to furbish up one's command of a foreign language.

2. to polish.

furbish

/ ˈfɜːbɪʃ /

verb

1. to make bright by polishing; burnish
2. often foll by up to improve the appearance or condition of; renovate; restore

Derived Forms

• ˈfurbisher, noun

Other Words From

• furbish·er noun
• un·furbished adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of furbish¹

1350–1400; Middle English furbishen < Middle French forbiss-, long stem of forbir to polish, clean < Germanic; compare Old High German furban

Word History and Origins

Origin of furbish¹

C14: from Old French fourbir to polish, of Germanic origin

Example Sentences

Also folks cannot neglect their cleanliness and then furbish themselves up in a day.

From Project Gutenberg

He found everything but what he wanted most—the code book, by which he could furbish up on dots and dashes.

From Project Gutenberg

The men were halted outside the town and given time to furbish themselves up for the occasion.

From Project Gutenberg

It only induces Guido to furbish up his tools for a fresh assault.

From Project Gutenberg

Breakfast was a half-hour later, and when that was over there was nothing much to do but furbish up for church.

From Project Gutenberg