an impression of an incised or sculptured surface made by laying paper over it and rubbing with heelball, graphite, or a similar substance until the image appears.
Compare brass-rubbing.
Origin of rubbing
Middle English word dating back to 1350–1400; see origin at rub, -ing1
They’re ideal for a stock Land Cruiser, fitting without any rubbing, modification, or impact on ride quality, while substantially boosting traction off-road.
Inside My Custom Toyota Land Cruiser Build|Wes Siler|October 15, 2020|Outside Online
The better she does,” she said, rubbing the skin around the clamps, “the heavier it gets.
Dungeons and Genital Clamps: Inside a Legendary BDSM Chateau|Ian Frisch|December 20, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Establishment figures, Tea Partiers, evangelicals, and libertarians will all be rubbing elbows at a single theater.
The Most Interesting Place to Be Tonight|Tim Mak|November 4, 2014|DAILY BEAST
For the past week, political junkies throughout my home city of Chicago have been rubbing our hands in giddy anticipation.
Could Rahm Lose to This Infamous Union Leader?|Kathleen Geier|July 3, 2014|DAILY BEAST
He got a deck of cards and straddled one of the rubbing tables.
Gordie Howe Hockey’s Greatest War Horse|W.C. Heinz|May 31, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Everybody was rubbing elbows—and other body parts—all the time.
Why Did Llewyn Davis’s Greenwich Village Disappear?|Andrew Romano|December 7, 2013|DAILY BEAST
"We will go for a walk to-day," said the oblate, rubbing his hands.
En Route|J.-K. (Joris-Karl) Huysmans
Every one has heard, and most believe, that fire may be easily produced by rubbing together two pieces of wood.
Getting Gold|J. C. F. Johnson
The doctor came to a full halt, his face very red, his eyes suffused, and fell to rubbing both hands through and through his hair.
The Brentons|Anna Chapin Ray
"We'll give 'em what for, sir," exclaimed Sturge, rubbing his hands.
Carry On!|Herbert Strang
Leah stood up in the window-seat, rubbing the panes of glass dimmed with smoke.
Jane Eyre|Charlotte Bronte
British Dictionary definitions for rubbing
rubbing
/ (ˈrʌbɪŋ) /
noun
an impression taken of an incised or raised surface, such as a brass plate on a tomb, by laying paper over it and rubbing with wax, graphite, etc