Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Varnish \Var"nish\, n. [OE. vernish, F. vernis, LL. vernicium;
   akin to F. vernir to varnish, fr. (assumed) LL. vitrinire to
   glaze, from LL. vitrinus glassy, fr. L. vitrum glass. See
   {Vitreous}.]
   1. 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.

   Note: According to the sorts of solvents employed, the
         ordinary kinds of varnish are divided into three
         classes: spirit, turpentine, and oil varnishes.
         --Encyc. Brit

   2. That which resembles varnish, either naturally or
      artificially; a glossy appearance.

            The varnish of the holly and ivy.     --Macaulay.

   3. An artificial covering to give a fair appearance to any
      act or conduct; outside show; gloss.

            And set a double varnish on the fame The Frenchman
            gave you.                             --Shak.

   {Varnish tree} (Bot.), a tree or shrub from the juice or
      resin of which varnish is made, as some species of the
      genus {Rhus}, especially {R. vernicifera} of Japan. The
      black varnish of Burmah is obtained from the
      {Melanorrh[oe]a usitatissima}, a tall East Indian tree of
      the Cashew family. See {Copal}, and {Mastic}.