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bedaub

American  
[bih-dawb] / bɪˈdɔb /

verb (used with object)

  1. to smear all over; besmear; soil.

  2. to ornament gaudily or excessively.


bedaub British  
/ bɪˈdɔːb /

verb

  1. to smear all over with something thick, sticky, or dirty

  2. to ornament in a gaudy or vulgar fashion

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

Etymology

Origin of bedaub

First recorded in 1545–55; be- + daub

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

To plaster over; to cover or smear thickly; to bedaub.

From Webster's Unabridged Dictionary (2nd 100 Pages) by Webster, Noah

Both Greeks and savages employ the bull-roarer, both bedaub the initiated with dirt or with white paint or chalk. 

From Custom and Myth by Lang, Andrew

The relatives of the deceased bedaub themselves from head to foot with white clay, upon which they form the most disgusting figures, while scarcely a leg or an arm exhibits the same feature.

From Observations Upon the Windward Coast of Africa by Corry, Joseph

Does any one bedaub his friends with flattery?

From The Deipnosophists, or Banquet of the Learned of Athen?us by Athen?us

Both Greeks and savages employ the bull-roarer, both bedaub the initiated with dirt or with white paint or chalk.

From Custom and Myth New Edition by Lang, Andrew

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