The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:

Refine \Re*fine"\ (r?*f?n"), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Refined
   (-find"); p. pr. & vb. n. Refining.] [Pref. re- + fine to
   make fine: cf. F. raffiner.]
   1. To reduce to a fine, unmixed, or pure state; to free from
      impurities; to free from dross or alloy; to separate from
      extraneous matter; to purify; to defecate; as, to refine
      gold or silver; to refine iron; to refine wine or sugar.
      [1913 Webster]

            I will bring the third part through the fire, and
            will refine them as silver is refined. --Zech. xiii.
                                                  9.
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   2. To purify from what is gross, coarse, vulgar, inelegant,
      low, and the like; to make elegant or exellent; to polish;
      as, to refine the manners, the language, the style, the
      taste, the intellect, or the moral feelings.
      [1913 Webster]

            Love refines
            The thoughts, and heart enlarges.     --Milton.
      [1913 Webster]

   Syn: To purify; clarify; polish; ennoble.
        [1913 Webster]

WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006):

refining
    n 1: the process of removing impurities (as from oil or metals
         or sugar etc.) [syn: refining, refinement,
         purification]