If instead, its raw edges are rubbed smooth to create an audience-pleasing homily, the effect is entirely different.

The floor was bare rock, rubbed nearly smooth by the passage of many feet.

The plywood was rubbed smooth and dirty from thousands of wrists and hands.

Hands where his neck joined his shoulders, fingers behind the shoulder blades, rubbing smooth and hard.

And when it is rubbed smooth, no wood is prettier.

His voice was beautifully low and soft, rubbed smooth by the tragedy.

Once dry, the paper is flattened and rubbed smooth with a shell.

The mud was then rubbed smooth and painted with a whitewash of lime.

"And you figure because the two of you don't rub smooth she'll let things slide?"

The carved doorway has been rubbed smooth by generations of pilgrims.