Blur /(blûr)/

Blur

v. t.

imp. & p. p. Blurred; p. pr. & vb. n. Blurring

  1. To render obscure by making the form or outline of confused and uncertain, as by soiling; to smear; to make indistinct and confused; as, to blur manuscript by handling it while damp; to blur the impression of a woodcut by an excess of ink.
    But time hath nothing blurred those lines of favor Which then he wore.
  2. To cause imperfection of vision in; to dim; to darken.
    Her eyes are blurred with the lightning's glare.
    — J. R. Drake.
  3. To sully; to stain; to blemish, as reputation.
    Sarcasms may eclipse thine own, But can not blur my lost renown.
    — Hudibras.

Blur

n.
  1. That which obscures without effacing; a stain; a blot, as upon paper or other substance.
    As for those who cleanse blurs with blotted fingers, they make it worse.
  2. A dim, confused appearance; indistinctness of vision; as, to see things with a blur; it was all blur.
  3. A moral stain or blot.
    Lest she . . . will with her railing set a great blur on mine honesty and good name.