νίζω the pres. νίπτω, from which the tenses are formed, only in late writers
I.to wash the hands or feet of another, Od.:—Mid., χεῖρας νίψασθαι to wash one's hands, Il., Hes.; so, νίψασθαι, absol., to wash one's hands, Od., etc.; νίψασθαι ἁλός to wash [with water] from the sea, id=Od.
2.generally to purge, cleanse, Soph., Eur.
II.to wash off, ἱδρῶ νίψεν ἀπὸ χρωτός washed off the sweat from the skin, Il.; αἷμα νίζ᾽ ὕδατι id=Il.:—Mid., χρόα νίζετο ἅλμην he washed the brine off his skin, Od.:—Pass., αἷμα νένιπται Il.—The word is commonly said of persons washing part of the person, while λούομαι is used of bathing, πλύνω of washing clothes.
