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.HP5.3.3, cf. CP1.22.6; 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.HP4.6.5; “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.HF1188 (lyr.); “χειλέων β.” Philostr.Ep.22: metaph., “β. τυραννίδος” Plu.2.779c.
III. enamelling, χαλκοῦ . . βαφῇ κυάνου στίλβοντος ib.395b.
IV. infection, Aret.CD2.13.