n. & v.
n. 1 a solution of quicklime or of whiting and size for whitening walls etc. 2 a means employed to conceal mistakes or faults in order to clear a person or institution of imputations.
v.tr. 1 cover with whitewash. 2 attempt by concealment to clear the reputation of. 3 (in passive) (of an insolvent) get a fresh start by passage through a bankruptcy court. 4 US defeat (an opponent) without allowing any opposing score. whitewasher n.