furbish
UK: ˈfɜːbɪʃ | US: ˈfɜːrbɪʃ
vt. to polish or burnish (a surface) to make it smooth and shiny
vt. to renovate or restore (something old) to a like-new condition
vt. (archaic) to refresh or renew (skills, knowledge, etc.)
The word furbish traces back to medieval craftsmanship, where polishing armor or tools (furbishing) was essential for maintenance. The Frankish root furbjan reflects a practical focus on cleanliness and shine, later adopted into Old French and Middle English. Over time, its meaning expanded metaphorically to include renewing skills or objects.
The antique dealer carefully furbished the old silver teapot.
Soldiers would furbish their armor before battle to intimidate foes.
She took a course to furbish her public speaking skills.
The museum furbished the ancient manuscript for display.
His speech furbished outdated ideas with modern rhetoric.