n. the application of a thin coat of metal (as by electrolysis)

n. a thin coating of metal deposited on a surface

n. coating consisting of a thin layer of superior wood glued to a base of inferior wood

n. an artifact that covers something else (usually to protect or shelter or conceal it)

n. activity that tries to conceal something; "no mask could conceal his ignorance"; "they moved in under a mask of friendship"

n. a showy misrepresentation intended to conceal something unpleasant

n. pretense that your position is stronger than it really is; "his bluff succeeded in getting him accepted"

n. something serving to conceal plans; a fictitious reason that is concocted in order to conceal the real reason