overlaying

2 definitions found

overlaying - Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 :

  Overlaying \O"ver*lay"ing\, n.
     A superficial covering; a coating.
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  Overlay \O`ver*lay"\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Overlaid; p. pr. &
     vb. n. Overlaying.]
     1. To lay, or spread, something over or across; hence, to
        cover; to overwhelm; to press excessively upon.
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              When any country is overlaid by the multitude which
              live upon it.                         --Sir W.
                                                    Raleigh.
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              As when a cloud his beams doth overlay. --Spenser.
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              Framed of cedar overlaid with gold.   --Milton.
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              And overlay
              With this portentous bridge the dark abyss.
                                                    --Milton.
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     2. Specifically: To cover (an object made of an inexpensive
        metal, glass, or other material) with a thin sheet of an
        expensive metal, especially with silver or gold.
        Distinguished from to plate, which is done by a chemical
        or electrical deposition process.
        [PJC]
  
     3. To smother with a close covering, or by lying upon.
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              This woman's child died in the night; because she
              overlaid it.                          --1 Kings iii.
                                                    19.
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              A heap of ashes that o'erlays your fire. --Dryden.
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     4. (Printing) To put an overlay on.
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