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

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Etymology

Origin of smutch

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

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

smutch

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

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

From The Curiosities of Heraldry by Mark Antony Lower

Wash 'em, an' clean your nails with this pin, an' tie that apern back—loose if you want—but wear it you must, or I won't be responsible for no smutch you get on you.

From The Brass Bound Box by Diantha W. Horne

But thou hast valour, dear, too much For such as this; thou hast grave embassy, Given with thy birth; would'st thou thine honour smutch With coward failing?

From A Lover's Diary, Complete by Gilbert Parker

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 John Bunyan

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