per-tergĕo, tersi, tersum, 2, and per-tergo, ĕre, v. a., to wipe off, wipe dry.
I Lit.: gausape purpureo mensam pertersit, Hor. S. 2, 8, 11: spongia vasa, Col. 12, 9, 2. —*
II Transf., to rub or touch against gently : (aër) quasi perterget pupillas, Lucr. 4, 249; so, lux oculos perterget, id. 4, 277 Lachm. N. cr. : nostros oculos perterget longior aura, id. 4, 252.