smutch

[smuhch]

verb (used with object)

1. to smudge or soil.

noun

1. a smudge or stain.

2. dirt, grime, or smut.

smutch

/ smʌtʃ /

verb

1. (tr) to smudge; mark

noun

1. a mark; smudge

2. soot; dirt

Other Word Forms

• smutchy adjective
• smutchless adjective
• unsmutched adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of smutch¹

1520–30; perhaps < Middle High German smutzen to smear; compare German Schmutz smut

Word History and Origins

Origin of smutch¹

C16: probably from Middle High German smutzen to soil; see _smut

Example Sentences

Blood smutches up Treasure’s dainty nose and mouth, streaks his expelled eyeball.

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She hadn’t done anything to me, and the smutch of the mud against her blue gown — the prettiest dress I ever saw.

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Within his dusky arms the wretch he caught, And with smutched lips, fuliginous and hot, Repaid the kiss which he to Christ had given.

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In his address to the courteous reader he expresses his apprehensions that “some will smutch his labours with a scorne of his profession.”

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Beata's words and feelings are still the dazzling white and pure fresh snow, just as they have fallen from heaven: no footprint and no step of age have yet smutched this splendor.

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