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
baby died in the night; because
she overlaid it." (1 Kings III. 19) "A
heap of
ashes that o'erlays your fire." (Dryden)
3. To put an
overlay on.
Origin: Overlaid; Overlaying.
Source: Websters Vocabulary