Rust, v. i. [imp. & p. p.Rusted; p. pr. & vb. n.Rusting.] [AS. rustian.] 1. To contract rust; to be or become oxidized.
If gold ruste, what shall iron do? Chaucer.
Our armors now may rust. Dryden.
2. To be affected with the parasitic fungus called rust; also, to acquire a rusty appearance, as plants.
3. Fig.: To degenerate in idleness; to become dull or impaired by inaction.
Must I rust in Egypt? never more
Appear in arms, and be the chief of Greece? Dryden.