Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Japanning \Ja*pan"ning\, n.
   The art or act of varnishing in the Japanese manner.

Japan \Ja*pan"\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Japanned}; p. pr. & vb. n.
   {Japanning}.]
   1. To cover with a coat of hard, brilliant varnish, in the
      manner of the Japanese; to lacquer.

   2. To give a glossy black to, as shoes. [R.] --Gay.

Source : WordNet®

japanning
     See {japan}

japan
     v : coat with a lacquer, as done in Japan
     [also: {japanning}, {japanned}]