transitive. To treat (a surface) with some substance (esp. in a soft or liquid form) applied by means of friction and pressure. Also figurative.

To rub lightly, esp. with an unguent or the like; to smear, grease. Also with over. Also to smear (an unguent, etc.) upon something.

transitive. To go over (something) with the hand, a tool, etc., in the process of rubbing.

transferred. To rub with something bristly.