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washer

1. One who, or that which, washes.

2. A ring of metal, leather, or other material, or a perforated plate, used for various purposes, as around a bolt or screw to form a seat for the head or nut, or around a wagon axle to prevent endwise motion of the hub of the wheel and relieve friction, or in a joint to form a packing, etc.

3. A fitting, usually having a plug, applied to a cistern, tub, sink, or the like, and forming the outlet opening.

4. (Science: zoology) The common raccoon.

5. (Science: zoology) same as washerwoman.

Origin: AS. Waescere.