Varnish

Varnish Var"nish, 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]

Note: 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. [1913 Webster]

The varnish of the holly and ivy. --Macaulay. [1913 Webster]

3. An artificial covering to give a fair appearance to any act or conduct; outside show; gloss. [1913 Webster]

And set a double varnish on the fame The Frenchman gave you. --Shak. [1913 Webster]

{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 {Melanorrh[oe]a usitatissima}, a tall East Indian tree of the Cashew family. See {Copal}, and {Mastic}. [1913 Webster]