verb
lave
LAYV/lˈeɪv/
To wash gently with water.
Clear stream water laves the smooth stones along the bank.
Etymology
Old English lafian described washing by pouring water onto something. Lave preserves that basic action of cleansing or bathing with water.
In context
Wash here! Wash there! Pour, drink, lave, and scatter flowers—but always pay the priests.
More examples
- He laves his face with water from the basin.
- They gently laved the child's muddy hands with warm water.
- She kneels beside the stream, laving her arms.
Forms
lave · laves · laved · laving