French polish

¹ American  

noun

1. a furniture finish, consisting of shellac dissolved in spirits.

---

French-polish ² American  

[french-pol-ish] / ˈfrɛntʃˈpɒl ɪʃ /

verb (used with object)

1. to finish or treat (a piece of furniture) with French polish.

---

French polish ¹ British  

noun

1. a varnish for wood consisting of shellac dissolved in alcohol

2. the gloss finish produced by repeated applications of this polish

---

French-polish ² British  

verb

1. to treat with French polish or give a French polish (to)

---

Etymology

Origin of French polish¹

First recorded in 1810–20

Origin of French-polish²

First recorded in 1830–40

Example Sentences

Most officers have also added a personal touch to their uniform - whether it is beautifully manicured nails with French polish, or smoky eye shadow, they have spared no effort in looking tip-top for their job.

From BBC

For example, to those attempting the shellac-based French polish, he says, “You will invariably fail at this process, but it is the only way to learn.”

From Architectural Digest

French polish, or careful wax polish, has the effect of keeping out air and damp, which latter might soften the glue and disintegrate the surface veneer.

From Project Gutenberg

That fellow, with all his smoothness and French polish, may turn out, now he is thwarted, a perfect demon.

From Project Gutenberg

His shoes shone with a lustre beyond French polish, and his hat was brushed till not a wind dared to approach it.

From Project Gutenberg