Lac"quer (?), n. [F. lacre a sort of sealing wax, Pg. lacte, fr. laca lac. See Lac the resin.] [Written also lacker.] A varnish, consisting of a solution of shell-lac in alcohol, often colored with gamboge, saffron, or the like; -- used for varnishing metals, papier- maché, and wood. The name is also given to varnishes made of other ingredients, esp. the tough, solid varnish of the Japanese, with which ornamental objects are made.

Lac"quer, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Lacquered (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Lacquering.] To cover with lacquer. "Lacquer'd chair." Pope.

• a glossy, resinous material used as a surface coating; either a natural exudation of certain trees, of a solution of nitrocellulose in alcohol etc
  
• a similar finish, baked onto the inside of cans
  
• to apply a lacquer to something
  
• to give something a smooth, glossy finish