βαφή

A. dipping of red-hot iron in water, S. Aj. 651: hence, temper or edge of a blade or tool produced thereby, τὴν β. ἀφιᾶσιν ὥσπερ ὁ σίδηρος εἰρήνην ἄγοντες Arist. Pol. 1334a8, cf. Plu. Alex. 32, Pyrrh. 24; τὰ σιδήρια τὴν β. ἀνίησι lose their edge, Thphr. HP 5.3.3, cf. CP 1.22.6; χαλκοῦ βαφαί prob. poet. for σιδήρου β. in A. Ag. 612 (v. Sch. ad loc., but cf. βάψις): metaph., temper, τῆς ἀνδρείας οἷον β. τις ὁ θυμός ἐστι καὶ στόμωμα Plu. 2.988d; of wine, ib.650b.

II. dye, Thphr. HP 4.6.5; πορφυρᾶ β. A. Pers. 317 (metaph. of blood), cf. Pl. R. 430a; κρόκου βαφάς the saffron-dyed robe, A. Ag. 239 (lyr.); βαφαὶ ὕδρας the arrows dipped in the hydra's blood, E. HF 1188 (lyr.); χειλέων β. Philostr. Ep. 22: metaph., β. τυραννίδος Plu. 2.779c.

III. enamelling, χαλκοῦ . . βαφῇ κυάνου στίλβοντος ib.395b.

2. gilding, silvering, αἱ δύο β. Zos.Alch.p.168B., cf. p.208B.

IV. infection, Aret. CD 2.13.