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.
Derivatives:
whitewasher n.