Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Rub \Rub\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Rubbed}; p. pr. & vb. n.
   {Rubbing}.] [Probably of Celtic origin; cf. W. rhwbiaw, gael.
   rub.]
   1. To subject (a body) to the action of something moving over
      its surface with pressure and friction, especially to the
      action of something moving back and forth; as, to rub the
      flesh with the hand; to rub wood with sandpaper.

            It shall be expedient, after that body is cleaned,
            to rub the body with a coarse linen cloth. --Sir T.
                                                  Elyot.

   2. To move over the surface of (a body) with pressure and
      friction; to graze; to chafe; as, the boat rubs the
      ground.

   3. To cause (a body) to move with pressure and friction along
      a surface; as, to rub the hand over the body.

            Two bones rubbed hard against one another.
                                                  --Arbuthnot.

   4. To spread a substance thinly over; to smear.

            The smoothed plank, . . . New rubbed with balm.
                                                  --Milton.

   5. To scour; to burnish; to polish; to brighten; to cleanse;
      -- often with up or over; as, to rub up silver.

            The whole business of our redemption is to rub over
            the defaced copy of the creation.     --South.

   6. To hinder; to cross; to thwart. [R.]

            'T is the duke's pleasure, Whose disposition, all
            the world well knows, Will not be rubbed nor
            stopped.                              --Shak.

   {To rub down}.
      (a) To clean by rubbing; to comb or curry; as, to down a
          horse.
      (b) To reduce or remove by rubbing; as, to rub down the
          rough points.

   {To rub off}, to clean anything by rubbing; to separate by
      friction; as, to rub off rust.

   {To rub out}, to remove or separate by friction; to erase; to
      obliterate; as, to rub out a mark or letter; to rub out a
      stain.

   {To rub up}.
      (a) To burnish; to polish; to clean.
      (b) To excite; to awaken; to rouse to action; as, to rub
          up the memory.