Smooth, v. t. [imp. & p. p.Smoothed (smo͞othd); p. pr. & vb. n.Smoothing.] [OE. smothen, smethen, AS. smēðian; cf. LG. smöden. See Smooth, a.] To make smooth; to make even on the surface by any means; as, to smooth a board with a plane; to smooth cloth with an iron. Specifically: —
(a) To free from obstruction; to make easy.
Thou, Abelard! the last sad office pay,
And smooth my passage to the realms of day. Pope.
(b) To free from harshness; to make flowing.
In their motions harmony divine
So smooths her charming tones that God's own ear
Listens delighted. Milton.
(c) To palliate; to gloze; as, to smooth over a fault.
(d) To give a smooth or calm appearance to.
Each perturbation smoothed with outward calm. Milton.
(e) To ease; to regulate. Dryden.