whitewasher


Also found in: Thesaurus, Idioms, Encyclopedia.

white·wash

 (wīt′wŏsh′, -wôsh′, hwīt′-)
n.
1. A mixture of lime and water, often with whiting, size, or glue added, that is used to whiten walls, fences, or other structures.
2. Concealment or palliation of flaws or failures.
3. A defeat in a game in which the loser scores no points.
tr.v. white·washed, white·wash·ing, white·wash·es
1. To paint or coat with whitewash.
2. To conceal or gloss over (wrongdoing, for example).
3. Sports To defeat (an opponent) in a game in which the opponent does not score.
white′wash′er n.
American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright © 2016 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
Translations
References in classic literature ?
The landlady's lively speech was received with greater favour at the Break of Day, than it would have elicited from certain amiable whitewashers of the class she so unreasonably objected to, nearer Great Britain.
View in context
The whitewasher usually came about twice a year to whitewash the milking section of the barn.
Lost occupations: remembering unique rural industries of the past
Anees Ahmed, a whitewasher by profession, is the only member of the cyclist team who owns a bicycle.
Tale of one cycle and a team of 21
Gidiney [spelled Gidney], age 40, is recorded as living in the First Ward of Troy, with a birthplace of Columbia County and the occupation of whitewasher. He is married to Harriet A.
A Forgotten African American Mathematician: Charles T. Gidiney of Troy, New York
"I have never known a story to attract more attention than 'John Blye, the Whitewasher's Son,'" Reverend Henry McNeal Turner wrote in a letter published in the September 19, 1878 issue of the African Methodist Episcopal Church's Christian Recorder.
William Steward's John Blye
Army lawyers will prove that everything was perfectly legal, the national whitewasher, professor Asa Kasher, will laud the ethics of the most moral army in the World.
No Options Before Israel
The jobs, civil servants have been allowed to do, include trade, working as a mechanic, electrician, machine operator, assistant geo-physician, assistant hydrologist, assistant veterinarian, lab technician, construction worker, painter, whitewasher and plumber.
Govt servants can take second jobs - Ministry issues guidelines, list of jobs allowed
Dictionary browser ?
Full browser ?