Furbish
/ˈfɜːrbɪʃ/noun
To clean, polish, or renovate something, especially an object or skill.
Did you know?In Middle English, furbishing was closely associated with polishing weapons and armor, giving the word an unmistakably martial history of restoring objects for use and display.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Germanic, proposed
Proto-Germanic
*furbijaną
“To polish or make bright; the precise reconstruction and wider cognates are uncertain.”
12th Century
Old French
fourbir
“To polish, clean, or burnish.”
13th Century
Anglo-French
furbir
“To polish or make bright, especially metal.”
Late 13th Century
Middle English
furbishen
“To polish, clean, or adorn.”
16th Century
English
furbish
“To polish or make bright; later, to restore or renew.”
Modern English
English
furbish
“To clean, polish, renovate, or refresh something.”