Shellac

Origin

shell + lac, calque translation of French laque ("lac") + en ("in") + écailles ("scales, shells")

Full definition of shellac

Noun

1. A processed secretion of the lac insect, Coccus lacca; used in polishes, varnishes etc.

Synonyms

• E904 when used as a glazing agent

Verb

1. To coat something with shellac.
2. (informal, US) To inflict a heavy defeat; to drub; to batter. Used primarily in sports and political contexts.
• 1987 George Will, The New Season: A Spectator's Guide to the 1988 Election (Simon and Schuster), p. 21:In 1964 Goldwater ran rambunctiously, flat-out against government. He got shellacked.
• 1987 Tim McCarver and Ray Robinson, Oh, Baby, I Love It! (Villard Books), p. 220:In another the Mets were shellacked, 9-1, with a stray ninth-inning home run by Strawberry after two outs, preventing a shutout.