from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
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]