smutch

American  

[smuhch] / smʌtʃ /

verb (used with object)

1. to smudge or soil.

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noun

1. a smudge or stain.

2. dirt, grime, or smut.

smutch British  

/ smʌtʃ /

verb

1. (tr) to smudge; mark

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noun

1. a mark; smudge

2. soot; dirt

Other Word Forms

• smutchless adjective
• smutchy adjective
• unsmutched adjective

Etymology

Origin of smutch

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

Example Sentences

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

From "Good Masters! Sweet Ladies!: Voices from a Medieval Village" by Laura Amy Schlitz

I took the glass from him and, examining it with the utmost care, I detected a smutch of yellowish paint upon it, nothing more.

From The Darrow Enigma by Severy, Melvin Linwood

This love is not so hard to smutch.

From The Defence of Guenevere and Other Poems by Morris, William

The sheets were gritty to the touch, and left a smutch upon the fingers.

From The Web of Life by Herrick, Robert

Snuff them as you see there is need; but touch not their snuff with your white fingers; a little smutch on YOU will be seen a great way.

From Works of John Bunyan — Volume 03 by Bunyan, John