brightwork

[brahyt-wurk]

noun

polished metal parts, as on a ship or automobile.

Nautical. all plain or varnished woodwork that is kept scoured on a vessel.

Origin of brightwork

An Americanism dating back to 1835–45; bright + work

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

British Dictionary definitions for brightwork

brightwork

noun

shiny metal trimmings or fittings on ships, cars, etc

varnished or plain woodwork on a vessel

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