A clear or colored liquid coating applied to wood or other surfaces to protect and give them a shiny finish, or to cover up something unpleasant.
From Old French 'vernis,' possibly from Medieval Latin 'vernix.' The word came to Europe from the Middle East, where varnish production was advanced, and has been used for protective coatings since the 14th century.
Medieval varnish was made from tree resin and linseed oil, and it took masters years to learn the craft—the shiniest Renaissance paintings required applying 20+ layers of varnish, which actually yellows over time (that's why old paintings look amber-colored)!
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