mâchurer

Senses

1. 1.

   to smudge; to smear

   to mark or soil with irregular streaks or stains

2. 2.

   to blot; to blotch

   to make messy marks (especially with ink or writing)

Examples

• "Il a mâchuré la page en renversant son encrier."

  He smudged the page by knocking over his inkwell.

• "Son écriture mâchure le papier avec des taches noires."

  His writing blotches the paper with black stains.

• "Les enfants ont mâchuré leurs vêtements en jouant dehors."

  The children smeared their clothes while playing outside.

Usage

Somewhat literary or formal; often used in historical or descriptive contexts. Synonym: tacher (to stain). The related noun mâchure refers to a smudge or blotch, particularly in printing or writing.