Polish (also used figuratively), put a shine, gloss or glaze on; a shiny surface, lustre.
Danger - so indispensable in bringing out the fundamental quality of any society, group, or individual - was what the Forsytes scented; the premonition of danger put a burnish on their armour.
Indeed, company officials could portray themselves as benevolent and selfless rulers, as they did when they waived the tribute requirement in 1647. They could burnish this image by giving rice and textiles to poor villagers who went to church.
To burnish their credentials as a serious contender for power, the Conservatives need to start demonstrating that they can succeed at by-elections.
Andrew Rawnsley, The Observer, 30 December 2007.
The Observer
A can of goose fat from France that will give the roast potatoes true crunch and burnish the skin of the turkey or goose.
Unattributed, The Observer, 18 November 2007. The Observer
And the spectrum is stunning, running from the Simers Taffel, a clean white spirit bristling with caraway, to more complex offerings like the Gilde Maquavit, which has a deep golden burnish and chocolate nose resembling Armagnac.
Tony Cecchini, The New York Times, 18 November 2007. New York Times
