The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:
Smooth \Smooth\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Smoothed (sm[=oo]thd); p.
pr. & vb. n. Smoothing.] [OE. smothen, smethen, AS.
sm[=e][eth]ian; cf. LG. sm["o]den. See Smooth, a.]
To make smooth; to make even on the surface by any means; as,
to smooth a board with a plane; to smooth cloth with an iron.
Specifically:
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(a) To free from obstruction; to make easy.
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Thou, Abelard! the last sad office pay,
And smooth my passage to the realms of day. --Pope.
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(b) To free from harshness; to make flowing.
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In their motions harmony divine
So smooths her charming tones that God's own ear
Listens delighted. --Milton.
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(c) To palliate; to gloze; as, to smooth over a fault.
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(d) To give a smooth or calm appearance to.
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Each perturbation smoothed with outward calm.
--Milton.
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(e) To ease; to regulate. --Dryden.
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The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:
Smoothing \Smooth"ing\, a. & n.
fr. Smooth, v.
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Smoothing iron, an iron instrument with a polished face,
for smoothing clothes; a sadiron; a flatiron.
Smoothing plane, a short, finely set plane, for smoothing
and finishing work.
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