French polish

¹ American  

noun

1. a furniture finish, consisting of shellac dissolved in spirits.

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French-polish ² American  

[french-pol-ish] / ˈfrɛntʃˈpɒl ɪʃ /

verb (used with object)

1. to finish or treat (a piece of furniture) with French polish.

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French polish ¹ British  

noun

1. a varnish for wood consisting of shellac dissolved in alcohol

2. the gloss finish produced by repeated applications of this polish

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French-polish ² British  

verb

1. to treat with French polish or give a French polish (to)

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Etymology

Origin of French polish¹

First recorded in 1810–20

Origin of French-polish²

First recorded in 1830–40

Example Sentences

Dr. Walter Damrosch started the idea, after running a wartime school in which U. S. bandmasters took a high French polish.

From Time Magazine Archive

She said I must have French masters, and more polish, but I don't like French polish.

From The Pillars of the House, V1 by Yonge, Charlotte Mary

The Polish Used.—The oil or wax polish was used for all kinds of furniture before the introduction of French polish, the invention of which, as its name implies, is due to French cabinet-makers.

From French Polishing and Enamelling A Practical Work of Instruction by Bitmead, Richard

"Yes, indeed," said Patty, with a little sigh of content; "I adore this dressing-up performance, and really, girls, those boys are quite human under their French polish."

From Patty in Paris by Wells, Carolyn

How to prepare: Healing salve; Magnetic croup cure; Worm elixir; Brilliant self-shining stove polish; Wonderful starch enamel; Royal washing powder; Magic annihilator; I X L baking powder; Electric powder; French polish, or dressing for leather; Artificial honey.

From The Ladies Book of Useful Information Compiled from many sources by Anonymous