n. & v.
--n.
1. a resinous solution used to give a hard shiny transparent coating to wood, metal, paintings, etc.
2 any other preparation for a similar purpose (nail varnish).
3 external appearance or display without an underlying reality.
4 artificial or natural glossiness.
5 a superficial polish of manner.
--v.tr.
1. apply varnish to.
2 gloss over (a fact).
Derivatives:
varnisher n.
Etymology: ME f. OF vernis f. med.L veronix fragrant resin, sandarac or med.Gk berenike prob. f. Berenice in Cyrenaica