shellack

shel·lac also shel·lack  (sh-lk)

n.

1. A purified lac in the form of thin yellow or orange flakes, often bleached white and widely used in varnishes, paints, inks, sealants, and formerly in phonograph records.

2. A thin varnish made by dissolving this substance in denatured alcohol, used to finish wood.

3. An old phonograph record containing this substance, typically played at 78 rpm.

tr.v.

1. shel·lacked also shel·lacked, shel·lack·ing also shel·lack·ing, shel·lacs also shel·lacks To coat or finish with shellac.

2. Slang

a. To strike repeatedly and severely; batter.

b. To defeat decisively.

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[shel(l) + lac (translation of French laque en écailles, lac in thin plates).]

Thesaurus

Verb

1.

shellack - cover with shellac; "She wanted to shellac the desk to protect it from water spots" shellac varnish, seal - cover with varnish