- Overlaying
- 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.
[1913 Webster]
When any country is overlaid by the multitude which live upon it. --Sir W. Raleigh. [1913 Webster]
As when a cloud his beams doth overlay. --Spenser. [1913 Webster]
Framed of cedar overlaid with gold. --Milton. [1913 Webster]
And overlay With this portentous bridge the dark abyss. --Milton. [1913 Webster]
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. [1913 Webster]
This woman's child died in the night; because she overlaid it. --1 Kings iii. 19. [1913 Webster]
A heap of ashes that o'erlays your fire. --Dryden. [1913 Webster]
4. (Printing) To put an overlay on. [1913 Webster]
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English. 2000.