Bruise (brṳz), v. t. [imp. & p. p.Bruised (brṳzd); p. pr. & vb. n.Bruising.] [OE. brusen, brisen, brosen, bresen, AS. brȳsan or fr. OF. bruiser, bruisier, bruser, to break, shiver, perh. from OHG. brochisōn. Cf. Break, v. t.] 1. To injure, as by a blow or collision, without laceration; to contuse; as, to bruise one's finger with a hammer; to bruise the bark of a tree with a stone; to bruise an apple by letting it fall.
2. To break; as in a mortar; to bray, as minerals, roots, etc.; to crush.
Nor bruise her flowerets with the armed hoofs.
Shak.
Syn. — To pulverize; bray; triturate; pound; contuse.