Varnish
n.
A viscid liquid, consisting of a solution of resinous
matter in an oil or a volatile liquid, laid on work with a brush, or
otherwise. When applied the varnish soon dries, either by evaporation
or chemical action, and the resinous part forms thus a smooth, hard
surface, with a beautiful gloss, capable of resisting, to a greater or
less degree, the influences of air and moisture.