The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:

Erase \E*rase"\ ([-e]*r[=a]s"), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Erased
   ([-e]*r[=a]st"); p. pr. & vb. n.. Erasing.] [L. erasus, p.
   p. of eradere to erase; e out + radere to scrape, scratch,
   shave. See Rase.]
   1. To rub or scrape out, as letters or characters written,
      engraved, or painted; to efface; to expunge; to cross out;
      as, to erase a word or a name.
      [1913 Webster]

   2. Fig.: To obliterate; to expunge; to blot out; -- used of
      ideas in the mind or memory. --Burke.
      [1913 Webster]