I. ˈsməj verb
( smudged ; smudg·ing )
Etymology: Middle English smogen
Date: 15th century
transitive verb
1.
a. : to make a smudge on
b. : to soil as if by smudging
2.
a. : to rub, daub, or wipe in a smeary manner
b. : to make indistinct : blur
smudged the writing
3. : to smoke or protect by means of a smudge
intransitive verb
1. : to make a smudge
2. : to become smudged
II. noun
Date: circa 1774
1.
a. : a blurry spot or streak
b. : an immaterial stain
cleanse him of every last smudge of impropriety — Richard Hanser
c. : an indistinct mass : blur
2. : a smoldering mass placed on the windward side (as to protect from frost)
3. : a bid of four in pitch that if made wins the game
• smudg·i·ly ˈsmə-jə-lē adverb
• smudg·i·ness ˈsmə-jē-nəs noun
• smudgy -jē adjective