n. & v.
n. 1 a a thin covering of fine wood or other surface material applied to a coarser wood. b a layer in plywood. 2 (often foll. by of) a deceptive outward appearance of a good quality etc.
v.tr. 1 apply a veneer to (wood, furniture, etc.). 2 disguise (an unattractive character etc.) with a more attractive manner etc.
[ earlier fineer f. G furni(e)ren f. OF fournir FURNISH ]