PLASTER

[plas.ter] n [ME, fr. OE, fr. L emplastrum, fr. Gk emplastron, fr. emplassein to plaster on, fr. en- + plassein to mold, plaster; perh. akin to L planus level, flat--more at floor] (bef. 12c) 1: a medicated or protective dressing that consists of a film (as of cloth or plastic) spread with a usu. medicated substance "adhesive ~"; broadly: something applied to heal and soothe

2: a pasty composition (as of lime, water, and sand) that hardens on drying and is used for coating walls, ceilings, and partitions -- plas.tery adj

[2]plaster vb plas.tered ; plas.ter.ing vt (14c) 1: to overlay or cover with plaster: coat

2: to apply a plaster to 3 a: to cover over or conceal as if with a coat of plaster b: to apply as a coating or incrustation c: to smooth down with a sticky or shiny substance "~ed his hair down"

4: to fasten or apply tightly to another surface

5: to treat with plaster of paris

6: to affix to or place on esp. conspicuously or in quantity 7: to inflict heavy damage or loss on esp. by a concentrated or unremitting attack ~ vi: to apply plaster -- plas.ter.er n