Emily Dickinson Lexicon
Definition for O-VER-LAY
O-VER-LAY, v.t.
- To lay too much upon; to oppress with incumbent weight; as, a country overlaid with inhabitants. Ralegh. Our sins have overlaid our hopes. K. Charles.
- To cover or spread over the surface; as, to overlay capitals of columns with silver; cedar overlaid with gold.
- To smother with close covering; as, to overlay an infant. Milton.
- To overwhelm; to smother. A heap of ashes that o'erlays your fire. Dryden.
- To cloud; to overcast. As when a cloud his beam doth overlay. Spenser.
- To cover; to join two opposite sides by a cover. And overlay / With this portentous bridge the dark abyss. Milton.
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