O`ver*lay" (?), 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.
When any country is overlaid by the multitude which live upon it.
Sir W. Raleigh.
As when a cloud his beams doth overlay.
Spenser.
Framed of cedar overlaid with gold.
Milton.
And overlay
With this portentous bridge the dark abyss.
Milton.
2.
To smother with a close covering, or by lying upon.
This woman's child died in the night; because she overlaid it.
1 Kings iii. 19.
A heap of ashes that o'erlays your fire.
Dryden.
3. Printing
To put an overlay on.
© Webster 1913.
O"ver*lay` (?), n.
1.
A covering.
Sir W. Scott.
2. Printing
A piece of paper pasted upon the tympan sheet to improve the impression by making it stronger at a particular place.
© Webster 1913.