varnish Meaning, Definition & Usage

Var"nish noun

Etymology

OE. vernish, F. vernis, LL. vernicium; akin to F. vernir to varnish, fr. (assumed) LL. vitrinire to glaze, from LL. vitrinus glassy, fr. L. vitrum glass. See Vitreous.

Definitions

1. A viscid liquid, consisting of a solution of resinous matter in an oil or a volatile liquid, laid on work with a brush, or otherwise. When applied the varnish soon dries, either by evaporation or chemical action, and the resinous part forms thus a smooth, hard surface, with a beautiful gloss, capable of resisting, to a greater or less degree, the influences of air and moisture. ✍ According to the sorts of solvents employed, the ordinary kinds of varnish are divided into three classes: spirit, turpentine, and oil varnishes. Encyc. Brit
2. That which resembles varnish, either naturally or artificially; a glossy appearance.

   The varnish of the holly and ivy. Macaulay.

3. An artificial covering to give a fair appearance to any act or conduct; outside show; gloss.

   And set a double varnish on the fame The Frenchman gave you. Shak.

Var"nish transitive verb

Etymology

Cf. F. vernir, vernisser. See Varnish, n.

Wordforms

imperfect & past participle Varnished ; present participle & verbal noun Varnishing

Definitions

1. To lay varnish on; to cover with a liquid which produces, when dry, a hard, glossy surface; as, to varnish a table; to varnish a painting.
2. To cover or conceal with something that gives a fair appearance; to give a fair coloring to by words; to gloss over; to palliate; as, to varnish guilt. "Beauty doth varnish age." Shak.

   Close ambition, varnished o'er with zeal. Milton.

   Cato's voice was ne'er employed To clear the guilty and to varnish crimes. Addison.