furbish

[ fur-bish ]

verb (used with object)

1. to restore to freshness of appearance or good condition (often followed by up ):

   to furbish a run-down neighborhood; to furbish up one's command of a foreign language.

2. to polish.

furbish

/ ˈfɜːbɪʃ /

verb

1. to make bright by polishing; burnish
2. often foll by up to improve the appearance or condition of; renovate; restore

Derived Forms

• ˈfurbisher, noun

Other Words From

• furbish·er noun
• un·furbished adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of furbish¹

1350–1400; Middle English furbishen < Middle French forbiss-, long stem of forbir to polish, clean < Germanic; compare Old High German furban

Word History and Origins

Origin of furbish¹

C14: from Old French fourbir to polish, of Germanic origin

Example Sentences

Though they’re programmed to start speaking in Furbish — a language that was inspired by the Japanese, Thai, Chinese and Hebrew that Furby co-creator David Hampton learned during his time in the U.S.

From Los Angeles Times

Though they’re programmed to start speaking in Furbish — a language that was inspired by the Japanese, Thai, Chinese and Hebrew that Furby co-creator David Hampton learned during his time in the U.S.

From Los Angeles Times

As the height of luxury, Meg put out some of her sewing, and then found time hang so heavily, that she fell to snipping and spoiling her clothes in her attempts to furbish them up a la Moffat.

From Literature

She would have Sophie to look over all her “toilettes,” as she called frocks; to furbish up any that were “passées,” and to air and arrange the new.

From Literature

“Then, signior, I lay on you my sovereign behest to furbish up your lungs and other vocal organs, as they will be wanted on my royal service.”

From Literature