shellac
noun
[ ˈʃɛlak ]
• a resinous substance (obtained from the lac insect) melted into thin flakes, used for making varnish.
shellac
verb
• varnish (something) with shellac.
• "he shellacked the box, paying special attention to the top and sides"
• defeat or beat (someone) decisively.
• "they were shellacked in the 1982 election"
Origin:
mid 17th century: from shell + lac1, translating French laque en écailles ‘lac in thin plates’.
