1. varnish - Noun
2. varnish - Verb
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.
That which resembles varnish, either naturally or artificially; a glossy appearance.
An artificial covering to give a fair appearance to any act or conduct; outside show; gloss.
To lay varnish on; to cover with a liquid which produces, when dry, a hard, glossy surface; as, to varnish a table; to varnish a painting.
To cover or conceal with something that gives a fair appearance; to give a fair coloring to by words; to gloss over; to palliate; as, to varnish guilt.
Source: Webster's dictionaryI use a retouching varnish which is made in France, Libert, and that's all the varnish I use. Edward Hopper
We are in a state of bloodless civil war. No common principles, no respect for common institutions or traditions unite the various groups of politicians, who are struggling for power. To loot somebody or something is the common object under a thick varnish of pious phrases. Robert Gascoyne-Cecil, 3rd Marquess of Salisbury
Mom spent the time that she was supposed to be a kid actully raising children, her younger brother and younger sister. She was tough as nails and did not suffer fools at all. And the truth was she could not afford to. She spoke the truth, bluntly, directly, and without much varnish. I am her son. Chris Christie
...Free my hands and I'll varnish this floor with your brains! Robert E. Howard
There is no nail varnish that can make old hands look younger. German Proverb
Culture is one thing, and varnish is another. American Proverb