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French polish

1

noun

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


French-polish

2

[ french-pol-ish ]

verb (used with object)

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

French polish

1

noun

  1. a varnish for wood consisting of shellac dissolved in alcohol
  2. the gloss finish produced by repeated applications of this polish
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

French-polish

2

verb

  1. to treat with French polish or give a French polish (to)
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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Word History and Origins

Origin of French polish1

First recorded in 1810–20

Origin of French polish2

First recorded in 1830–40
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Example Sentences

Most officers have also added a personal touch to their uniform - whether it is beautifully manicured nails with French polish, or smoky eye shadow, they have spared no effort in looking tip-top for their job.

From BBC

For example, to those attempting the shellac-based French polish, he says, “You will invariably fail at this process, but it is the only way to learn.”

French polish, or careful wax polish, has the effect of keeping out air and damp, which latter might soften the glue and disintegrate the surface veneer.

That fellow, with all his smoothness and French polish, may turn out, now he is thwarted, a perfect demon.

His shoes shone with a lustre beyond French polish, and his hat was brushed till not a wind dared to approach it.

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