Bleach (�), v. t. [imp. & p. p.Bleached (�); p. pr. & vb. n.Bleaching.] [OE. blakien, blechen, v. t. & v. i., AS. blācian, bl�can, to grow pale; akin to Icel. bleikja, Sw. bleka, Dan. blege, D. bleeken, G. bleichen, AS. blāc pale. See Bleak, a.] To make white, or whiter; to remove the color, or stains, from; to blanch; to whiten.
The destruction of the coloring matters attached to the bodies to be bleached is effected either by the action of the air and light, of chlorine, or of sulphurous acid.
Ure.
Immortal liberty, whose look sublime
Hath bleached the tyrant's cheek in every varying clime.
Smollett.