overlay Meaning, Definition & Usage

noun protective covering consisting, for example, of a layer of boards applied to the studs and joists of a building to strengthen it and serve as a foundation for a weatherproof exterior
sheathing; overlayer.
noun a layer of decorative material (such as gold leaf or wood veneer) applied over a surface
verb put something on top of something else
cover.
- cover the meat with a lot of gravy
verb kill by lying on
overlie.
- The sow overlay her piglets
verb lie upon; lie on top of
overlie.
- the granite overlies the older rocks

imperfect & past participle Overlaid ; present participle & verbal noun Overlaying

To lay, or spread, something over or across; hence, to cover; to overwhelm; to press excessively upon.
When any country is overlaid by the multitude which live upon it. Sir W. Raleigh.

As when a cloud his beams doth overlay. Spenser.

Framed of cedar overlaid with gold. Milton.

And overlay With this portentous bridge the dark abyss. Milton.
To smother with a close covering, or by lying upon.
This woman's child died in the night; because she overlaid it. 1 Kings iii. 19.

A heap of ashes that o'erlays your fire. Dryden.
(Printing) To put an overlay on.

A covering. Sir W. Scott.
(Printing) A piece of paper pasted upon the tympan sheet to improve the impression by making it stronger at a particular place.