[ 'masα:ʒ , mə'sα:ʒ , -dʒ ]
■ noun the rubbing and kneading of muscles and joints of the body with the hands, especially to relieve tension or pain.
■ verb
1》 give a ~ to.
↘( ~ something in/into ) rub a substance into (the skin or hair).
2》 manipulate (figures) to give a more acceptable result.
Phrases
~ someone's ego gently flatter someone.
Derivatives
~r noun
Origin
C19: from Fr., from masser 'knead, treat with ~', prob. from Port. amassar 'knead', from massa 'dough'.