[f. WASH sb. or v.]

1

  † 1.  To make wash-work with: app. ‘to make short work of.’ Cf. the phrase under WASH-WAY 1 b, of which this appears to be an altered form.

2

1637.  J. Williams, Holy Table, 159. And if this Leader should chance to be overcome,… we shall make wash-work with the rest of his followers.

3

  2.  Used for WASH-DRAWING.

4

1900.  Pall Mall Gaz., 2 Nov., 1/3. Mr. Frank Craig … is scarcely behind Mr. Hatherell in his excellent wash-work.

5