burnish
verb (used with object)
to polish (a surface) by friction.
were burnishing
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past progressiveof burnish.past progressive
Used to describe an ongoing action or continuous state that was happening at a specific time in the past.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
There were two terraces, and two short flights of steps to reach it, and a great wide veranda where a Virginia creeper and honeysuckle were burnishing their leaves in the sun.
From Helen Grant's Schooldays by Douglas, Amanda M.
But the ceaseless song of the wild rapids fell upon the voyagers’ ears, and the first stars were burnishing the dancing waves with silver.
From Little Oskaloo or, The White Whirlwind by Harbaugh, Thomas Chalmers
So it chanced that one day I was loitering in the gateway, watching the soldiers, who were burnishing armour, sharpening swords, and all as merry and busy as bees in spring.
From A Monk of Fife by Lang, Andrew
