Smooth | Webster's Dictionary (1865)

Smōōth, a.

adjective

a. [compar. smoother; superl. smoothest.] [O. Eng. smethe, smuythe, A-S. smēðhe, smreðhe, smæððe; L. Ger. smōde, smōe, smōdig, smidig, D. smidig, gesmidig, Dan. & Sw. smidig, H. Ger. schmeidig, geschmeidig.]

Sense 1. Having an even surface, or a surface so even that no roughness or points are perceptible to the touch; not rough; as, smooth glass; smooth porcelain.

The outlines must be smooth, imperceptible to the touch. Dryden.

Sense 2. Evenly spread; glossy; as, smooth hair.

Sense 3. Gently flowing; moving equably; not ruffled or obstructed; as, a smooth stream.

The course of true love never did run smooth. Shak.

Sense 4. Flowing or uttered without stops, obstruction, or hesitation; voluble; even; not harsh. “The only smooth poet of those times.” Milton.

Waller was smooth, but Dryden taught to join The long-resounding verse and energy divine. Pope.

When sage Minerva rose, From her sweet lips smooth elocution flows. Gay.

Sense 5. Bland; mild; soothing; flattering.

This smooth discourse and mild behavior oft Conceal a traitor. Addison.

Sense 6. (Bot.) Having a slippery surface, void of roughness; glabrous.

Smooth is often used in the formation of self-explaining compounds; as, smooth-bodied, smooth-browed, smooth-clouded, smooth-combed, smooth-dittied, smooth-faced, smooth-gliding, smooth-grained, smooth-jointed, smooth-leaved, smooth-paced, smooth-sliding, smooth-speaking, smooth-woven, and the like.

Synonyms—Even; plain; level; flat; polished; glossy; sleek; soft; bland; mild; soothing; voluble; flattering; adulatory; deceptive.

Smo͞oth, n.

noun

Sense 1. That which is smooth; the smooth part of any thing. Gen. xxvii. 16.

Sense 2. A meadow, or grass field. [U. S.] Bartlett.

Smo͞oth, v. t.

verbtransitive

[imp. & p. p. SMOOTHED; p. pr. & vb. n. SMOOTHING.] [O. Eng. smeeth, A-S. smêdhian, gesmêdhian, L. Ger. smîden, smöden, smîdigen, N. H. Ger. schmeidigen.] To make smooth; to make even on the surface by any means; as, to smooth a board with a plane; to smooth cloth with an iron; hence, (a.) To free from obstruction; to make easy.

Thou, Abelard, the last sad office pay, And smooth my passage to the realms of day. Pope.

(b.) To free from harshness; to make flowing.

In their motions harmony divine So smooths her charming tones. Milton.

(c.) To palliate; to soften; as, to smooth a fault. (d.) To calm; to mollify; to allay. “Each perturbation smoothed with outward calm.” Milton. (e.) To ease; to regulate. “The difficulty smoothed.” Dryden.

Smo͞oth, v. i.

verbintransitive

To act the flatterer; to use blandishment.

Because I can not flatter and look fair, Smile in men's faces, smooth, deceive, and coy. Shak.