2. To touch in passing, or to pass lightly over, as with a
brush.
Some spread their sailes, some with strong oars
sweep The waters smooth, and brush the buxom wave.
--Fairfax.
Brushed with the kiss of rustling wings. --Milton.
3. To remove or gather by brushing, or by an act like that of
brushing, or by passing lightly over, as wind; -- commonly
with off.
As wicked dew as e'er my mother brushed With raven's
feather from unwholesome fen. --Shak.
And from the boughts brush off the evil dew.
--Milton.
{To brush aside}, to remove from one's way, as with a brush.
{To brush away}, to remove, as with a brush or brushing
motion.
{To brush up}, to paint, or make clean or bright with a
brush; to cleanse or improve; to renew.
You have commissioned me to paint your shop, and I
have done my best to brush you up like your
neighbors. --Pope.