to subject (a body) to the action of something moving over its surface with pressure and friction, especially to the action of something moving back and forth; as, to rub the flesh with the hand; to rub wood with sandpaper.-to move over the surface of (a body) with pressure and friction; to graze; to chafe; as, the boat rubs the ground.-to cause (a body) to move with pressure and friction along a surface; as, to rub the hand over the body.-to spread a substance thinly over; to smear.-to scour; to burnish; to polish; to brighten; to cleanse; -- often with up or over; as, to rub up silver.-to hinder; to cross; to thwart.-to move along the surface of a body with pressure; to grate; as, a wheel rubs against the gatepost.-to fret; to chafe; as, to rub upon a sore.-to move or pass with difficulty; as, to rub through woods, as huntsmen; to rub through the world.-the act of rubbing; friction.-that which rubs; that which tends to hinder or obstruct motion or progress; hindrance; obstruction, an impediment; especially, a difficulty or obstruction hard to overcome; a pinch.-inequality of surface, as of the ground in the game of bowls; unevenness.-something grating to the feelings; sarcasm; joke; as, a hard rub.-imperfection; failing; fault.-a chance.-a stone, commonly flat, used to sharpen cutting tools; a whetstone; -- called also rubstone.