overlaying

Webster's Dictionary (GCIDE)

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]