King James Bible Dictionary

SMOOTH, adjective [Latin mitis.]

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 out lines must be smooth imperceptible to the touch.

2. To free from obstruction; to make easy. Thou, Abelard, the last sad office pay, And smooth my passage to the realms of day.

3. To free from harshness; to make flowing. In their motions harmony divine so smooths her charming tones.'

4. To palliate; to soften; as, to smooth a fault.

5. To calm; to mollify; to allay. Each perturbation smooth'd with outward calm.

6. To ease. The difficulty smoothed.

7. To flatter; to soften with blandishments. Because I cannot flatter and look fair, smile in men's faces, smooth deceive and coy.

SMOOTH'ED, participle passive Made smooth.

SMOOTHEN, for smooth, is used by mechanics; though not, I believe, in the U. States.

SMOOTH'-FACED, adjective Having a mild, soft look; as smooth-faced wooers.

SMOOTH'LY, adverb

1. Evenly; not roughly or harshly.

2. With even flow or motion; as, to flow or glide smoothly

3. Without obstruction or difficulty; readily; easily.

4. With soft, bland, insinuating language.

SMOOTH'NESS, noun

1. Evenness of suface; freedom from roughness or asperity; as the smoothness of a floor or wall; smoothness of the skin; smoothness of the water.

2. Softness or mildness to the palate; as the smoothness of wine.

3. Softness and sweetness of numbers; easy flow of words. Virgil, though smooth where smoothness is required, is far from affecting it.

4. Mildness or gentleness of speech; blandness of address.