rub down

verb3

1. •
   To rub from top to bottom, e.g. for cleaning, stripping paint or massage.

   • We were taken to a light airy stable, and placed in boxes adjoining each other, where we were rubbed down and fed. — 1877
2. •
   To grind, wear down, or wear away by rubbing.
3. •
   (old-fashioned) To frisk (search by feeling the body and clothing).

   • […] "jumped him", as it were, and immediately "rubbed him down" with the view of getting possession of his weapon. — 1931