n. & v.
--n.
1. the rubbing, kneading, etc., of muscles and joints of the body with the hands, to stimulate their action, cure strains, etc.
2 an instance of this.
--v.tr.
1. apply massage to.
2 manipulate (statistics) to give an acceptable result.
Phrases and idioms:
massage parlour
1. an establishment providing massage.
2 euphem. a brothel.
Derivatives:
massager n.
Etymology: F f. masser treat with massage, perh. f. Port. amassar knead, f. massa dough: see MASS(1)