01 v. t. To lay, or spread, something over or across; hence, to cover; to overwhelm; to press excessively upon.
imp. & p. p.
Overlaid; p. pr. & vb. n.
Overlaying
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1.
To lay, or spread, something over or across; hence, to cover; to overwhelm; to press excessively upon.“When any country is overlaid by the multitude which live upon it.” — Sir W. Raleigh.“As when a cloud his beams doth overlay.” — Spenser.“Framed of cedar overlaid with gold.” — Milton.“And overlay With this portentous bridge the dark abyss.” — Milton.
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2.
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.
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3.
To smother with a close covering, or by lying upon.“This woman's child died in the night; because she overlaid it.” — 1 Kings iii. 19.“A heap of ashes that o'erlays your fire.” — Dryden.
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4.
To put an overlay on.(Printing)