rub-up

See also: rub up

English

Alternative forms

• rubup
• rub up

Noun

rub-up (plural rub-ups)

1. The action of rubbing, for example polishing or massaging.
   • 1841, Thomas Miller, chapter 26, in Gideon Giles, the Roper‎^[3], London: J. Hayward, page 212:

     […] Ben laid them [the knives and forks] side by side, counted them, and finding the number agree with his guests, said, “They’ll dow capital when they’ve had a bit of a rub up.”

   • 1910, Joseph Conrad, “The Secret Sharer” in ’Twixt Land and Sea, New York: Hodder & Stoughton, p. 168,^[4]

     He was still lingering in the pantry in the greatness of his zeal, giving a rub-up to a plated cruet stand the last thing before going to bed.

   • 1972, Dora Jessie Saint (as Miss Read), Tyler’s Row, Penguin, 1975, Part 1, Chapter 5, p. 51,^[5]

     ‘I should think all your lovely things get a rub-up weekly,’ said Diana, handing back the box. ‘Does anyone come to help you?’

2. The act of bringing old information to the front of one's memory.

   Synonyms: review, revision

3. (Caribbean) A party, especially one that is spontaneous and involves music and dancing.
4. (obsolete) An encounter (with someone).
   • 1889, Stevenson Arthur Blackwood, letter to his wife, cited in Some Records of the Life of Stevenson Arthur Blackwood, K.C.B., London: Hodder and Stoughton, p. 453,^[6]

     Altogether, it has been a most enjoyable trip to me. As much or as little company as I chose, and a rub up against a number of old acquaintances of all sorts.

5. (slang, obsolete) The act of masturbating.

   to do a rub-up