softener
(ˈsɒf(ə)nə(r), -ɔː-)
[f. as prec.]
1. One who or that which softens, in various senses; a mollifier. Also with down.
| 1608 Hieron Wks. I. 722/1 Whose blood is..the principall softner of the heart. 1611 Cotgr., Mollifieur, a mollifier, softener. 1668 Charleton & P. M. Ephes. & Cimm. Matrons 72 You are..the obstacles to honour; the softners of courage. 1743 Francis tr. Hor., Odes i. xxxii. 20 Thou Softner of each anxious Care. 1839 Dickens Nich. Nick. viii, One of the best softeners of a hard bed. 1894 H. Nesbit Bush Girl's Rom. 27 A true helpmate and softener-down of the rough edges. 1954 A. J. Hall Stand. Handbk. Textiles (ed. 4) iv. 265 It is important not to use softeners which reduce the fastness of coloured goods to light. 1973 Times 1 June 11/5 It tests the water every night, working its little two-inch square brain-box attached to the softener. |
2. spec. A painting-brush of soft hair.
| 1843 Civil Eng. & Arch. Jrnl. VI. 305/1 Passing a dry brush, called a ‘softener’, lightly over it. 1873 E. Spon Workshop Rec. Ser. i. 6/2 For shading, camel or sable hair brushes, called Softeners, are generally used. |