GNU Collaborative International Dictionary of English

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Found 2 definitions 

  1.       

    Varnish , n. [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.]
    1913 Webster
    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.
      1913 Webster
      ☞ According to the sorts of solvents employed, the ordinary kinds of varnish are divided into three classes: spirit, turpentine, and oil varnishes.
      Encyc. Brit

      1913 Webster
    2. That which resembles varnish, either naturally or artificially; a glossy appearance.
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      The varnish of the holly and ivy.
      Macaulay.

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    3. An artificial covering to give a fair appearance to any act or conduct; outside show; gloss.
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      And set a double varnish on the fame
      The Frenchman gave you.
      Shak.

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      Varnish tree (Bot.), a tree or shrub from the juice or resin of which varnish is made, as some species of the genus Rhus, especially Rhus vernicifera of Japan. The black varnish of Burmah is obtained from the Melanorrhœa usitatissima, a tall East Indian tree of the Cashew family. See Copal, and Mastic.
      1913 Webster
    
      
    
  2.       

    Varnish, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Varnished ; p. pr. & vb. n. Varnishing.] [Cf. F. vernir, vernisser. See Varnish, n.]
    1913 Webster
    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.
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    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.

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

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

      1913 Webster

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