smutch

[ smuhch ]

verb (used with object)

1. to smudge or soil.

noun

1. a smudge or stain.
2. dirt, grime, or smut.

smutch

/ smʌtʃ /

verb

1. tr to smudge; mark

noun

1. a mark; smudge
2. soot; dirt

Derived Forms

• ˈsmutchy, adjective

Other Words From

• smutchless adjective
• un·smutched adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of smutch¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of smutch¹

C16: probably from Middle High German smutzen to soil; see smut

Example Sentences

Blood smutches up Treasure’s dainty nose and mouth, streaks his expelled eyeball.

From The New Yorker

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

From Literature

Within his dusky arms the wretch he caught, And with smutched lips, fuliginous and hot, Repaid the kiss which he to Christ had given.

From Project Gutenberg

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

From Project Gutenberg

Beata's words and feelings are still the dazzling white and pure fresh snow, just as they have fallen from heaven: no footprint and no step of age have yet smutched this splendor.

From Project Gutenberg