[f. BURNISH v.1 + -ER1.]
1. One who burnishes.
c. 1450. Voc., in Wr.-Wülcker, 604. Pollictor, a bornyshour.
1580. Hollyband, Treas. Fr. Tong, Enlumineur de livres, a burnisher of books.
1664. Pepys, Diary (1879), III. 65. By and by the flaggon finished at the burnisher’s.
1708. Brit. Apollo, 13 Feb., 8. Mrs. Wills Burnisher of Plate, at the Iron Anchor.
1884. Birmingham Daily Post, 23 Feb., 3/4. Chandelier-Trade.—Wanted, Burnisher, used to best work.
2. A tool for smoothing surfaces or for burnishing or polishing articles. It differs in material and shape according to the purpose and trade.
1598. Florio, Frugatore … a burnisher [1611 a rubbing cloth, a rubber, a burnishing toole, a burnisher].
1662. Evelyn, Chalcogr. (1769), 21. Burnisher, (another tool used by Chalcographers).
1751. Chambers, Cycl., Burnishers for gold or silver are commonly made of a dog’s or wolf’s tooth, set in the end of an iron or wooden handle. Of late, agates and pebbles have been introduced.
1837. Whittock, Bk. Trades, Engraver (1842), 214. The burnisher is … formed of hard steel, rounded and polished.
