The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:

Polish \Pol"ish\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Polished; p. pr. & vb.
   n. Polishing.] [F. polir, L. polire. Cf. Polite, -ish]
   1. To make smooth and glossy, usually by friction; to
      burnish; to overspread with luster; as, to polish glass,
      marble, metals, etc.
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   2. Hence, to refine; to wear off the rudeness, coarseness, or
      rusticity of; to make elegant and polite; as, to polish
      life or manners. --Milton.
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   To polish off, to finish completely, as an adversary.
      [Slang] --W. H. Russell.
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