O`ver*lay" (?), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Overlaid (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Overlaying.] 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.

As when a cloud his beams doth overlay.

Framed of cedar overlaid with gold.

And overlay
With this portentous bridge the dark abyss.

2. To smother with a close covering, or by lying upon.

This woman's child died in the night; because she overlaid it.

A heap of ashes that o'erlays your fire.

3. (Printing) To put an overlay on.

O"ver*lay` (?), n. 1. A covering. Sir W. Scott.

2. (Printing) A piece of paper pasted upon the tympan sheet to improve the impression by making it stronger at a particular place.

• (transitive) To lay, or spread, something over or across; to cover.
  
• To overwhelm; to press excessively upon.
  
• (transitive) To smother with a close covering, or by lying upon.
  
• (transitive) (printing) To put an overlay on.
  
• (printing) A piece of paper pasted upon the tympan sheet to improve the impression by making it stronger at a particular place.