smutch

American  

[smuhch] / smʌtʃ /

verb (used with object)

1. to smudge or soil.

---

noun

1. a smudge or stain.

2. dirt, grime, or smut.

smutch British  

/ smʌtʃ /

verb

1. (tr) to smudge; mark

---

noun

1. a mark; smudge

2. soot; dirt

Other Word Forms

• smutchless adjective
• smutchy adjective
• unsmutched adjective

Etymology

Origin of smutch

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

Example Sentences

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

From "Good Masters! Sweet Ladies!: Voices from a Medieval Village" by Laura Amy Schlitz

But thou hast valour, dear, too much           For such as this; thou hast grave embassy,           Given with thy birth; would'st thou thine honour smutch           With coward failing?

From A Lover's Diary, Volume 1. by Parker, Gilbert

As an ill coin beneath the wearing touch   Betrays by stain and smutch Its metal false—such is the sinful wight.

From The House of Atreus by Morshead, E. D. A. (Edmund Doidge Anderson)

O!" said they, "how sad a smutch on Our clean United Kingdom's 'scutcheon!

From Punch, or the London Charivari, Vol. 146, May 20, 1914 by Seaman, Owen, Sir

Snuff them as you see there is need; but touch not their snuff with your white fingers; a little smutch on YOU will be seen a great way.

From Works of John Bunyan — Volume 03 by Bunyan, John