smudging

smudge  (smj)

v. smudged, smudg·ing, smudg·es

v.tr.

1. To make dirty, especially in one small area.

2. To smear or blur (something).

3. To fill (an orchard or another planted area) with dense smoke from a smudge pot in order to prevent damage from insects or frost.

v.intr.

1. To smear something as with dirt, soot, or ink.

2. To become smudged: Photo negatives smudge easily.

n.

1. A blotch or smear.

2. A smoky fire used as a protection against insects or frost.

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[Middle English smogen.]

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smudgi·ly adv.

smudgi·ness n.

smudgy adj.

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smudging [ˈsmʌdʒɪŋ]

n

(Spirituality, New Age, Astrology & Self-help / Alternative Belief Systems) a traditional Native American method of using smoke from burning herbs to purify a space