v. t. [ imp. & p. p. Overlaid p. pr. & vb. n. Overlaying. ] 1. To lay, or spread, something over or across; hence, to cover; to overwhelm; to press excessively upon. [ 1913 Webster ] When any country is overlaid by the multitude which live upon it. Sir W. Raleigh. [ 1913 Webster ] As when a cloud his beams doth overlay. Spenser. [ 1913 Webster ] Framed of cedar overlaid with gold. Milton. [ 1913 Webster ] And overlay
With this portentous bridge the dark abyss. Milton. [ 1913 Webster ] 2. Specifically: 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. [ PJC ] 3. To smother with a close covering, or by lying upon. [ 1913 Webster ] This woman's child died in the night; because she overlaid it. 1 Kings iii. 19. [ 1913 Webster ] A heap of ashes that o'erlays your fire. Dryden. [ 1913 Webster ] 4. (Printing) To put an overlay on. [ 1913 Webster ] | 
