Hypertext Webster Gateway: "whitewash"
From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) (web1913)
Whitewash \White"wash`\, n.
1. Any wash or liquid composition for whitening something, as
a wash for making the skin fair. --Addison.
2. A composition of line and water, or of whiting size, and
water, or the like, used for whitening walls, ceilings,
etc.; milk of lime.
From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) (web1913)
Whitewash \White"wash`\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Whitewashed}; p.
pr. & vb. n. {Whitewashing}.]
1. To apply a white liquid composition to; to whiten with
whitewash.
2. To make white; to give a fair external appearance to; to
clear from imputations or disgrace; hence, to clear (a
bankrupt) from obligation to pay debts.
From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) (web1913)
Whitewash \White"wash`\, v. t.
In various games, to defeat (an opponent) so that he fails to
score, or to reach a certain point in the game; to skunk.
[Colloq., U. S.]
From WordNet (r) 1.7 (wn)
whitewash
n 1: wash consisting of lime and size in water; used for
whitening walls and other surfaces
2: the act of vindicating; "subsequent events have proved to be
a vindication of his position" [syn: {vindication}, {exoneration}]
v 1: cover up a misdemeanor; "Let's not whitewash the crimes of
Stalin" [syn: {gloss over}, {sleek over}, {hush up}]
2: cover with whitewash; as of walls
3: exonerate by means of a perfunctory investigation or through
biased presentation of data
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