n. & v.
--n.
1. an injury appearing as an area of discoloured skin on a human or animal body, caused by a blow or impact.
2 a similar area of damage on a fruit etc.
--v.
1. tr. a inflict a bruise on. b hurt mentally.
2 intr. be susceptible to bruising.
3 tr. crush or pound.
Etymology: ME f. OE brysan crush, reinforced by AF bruser, OF bruisier break