Meaning of rub-up | Babel Free

Definitions

1. The action of rubbing, for example polishing or massaging.
2. The act of bringing old information to the front of one's memory.
3. A party, especially one that is spontaneous and involves music and dancing.
   Caribbean
4. An encounter (with someone).
   obsolete
5. The act of masturbating.
   obsolete, slang

Examples

“[…] Ben laid them [the knives and forks] side by side, counted them, and finding the number⟳ agree⟳ with his guests, said, “They’ll dow capital when they’ve had a bit of a rub up.””

“1910, Joseph Conrad, “The Secret Sharer” in ’Twixt Land⟳ and Sea, New York: Hodder & Stoughton, p. 168, He was still lingering in the pantry in the greatness of his zeal, giving a rub-up to a plated cruet stand⟳ the last⟳ thing before going to bed.”

“1972, Dora Jessie Saint (as Miss⟳ Read⟳), Tyler’s Row, Penguin, 1975, Part 1, Chapter 5, p. 51, ‘I should think⟳ all your lovely things get⟳ a rub-up weekly,’ said Diana, handing back the box. ‘Does anyone come⟳ to help⟳ you?’”

“1889, Stevenson Arthur Blackwood, letter to his wife, cited in Some Records of the Life of Stevenson Arthur Blackwood, K.C.B., London: Hodder and Stoughton, p. 453, Altogether, it has been a most enjoyable trip⟳ to me. As much or as little company as I chose, and a rub up against a number⟳ of old acquaintances of all sorts.”

“to do a rub-up”

CEFR level