n. /on"lay', awn"-/ ; v. /on lay", awn-/ , n. , v. , onlaid, onlaying .
n.
1. an overlay, esp. one in relief.
2. Dentistry. an inlay that restores the occlusal surface of a tooth.
v.t.
3. to place or mount (an onlay) on a surface, esp. for decorative purposes.
[ 1875-80; ON + LAY 1 , after v. phrase lay on ]