underlay

[ verb uhn-der-ley; noun uhn-der-ley ]

verb (used with object)

, un·der·laid, un·der·lay·ing.

1. to lay under or beneath.
2. to provide with something laid underneath; raise or support with something laid underneath:

   The manufacturer underlays the chrome finish with a zinc coating.

3. to extend across the bottom of.

noun

1. something underlaid.
2. Printing. a piece or pieces of paper put under type or cuts to bring them to the proper height for printing.

underlay

verb

1. to place (something) under or beneath
2. to support by something laid beneath
3. to achieve the correct printing pressure all over (a forme block) or to bring (a block) up to type height by adding material, such as paper, to the appropriate areas beneath it

noun

1. a layer, lining, support, etc, laid underneath something else
2. printing material, such as paper, used to underlay a forme or block
3. felt, rubber, etc, laid beneath a carpet to increase insulation and resilience

Word History and Origins

Origin of underlay¹

before 900; Middle English underleyen, Old English underlecgan; under-, lay ¹

Example Sentences

Thus was paved the way for the abstractions that underlay the casino capitalism about which everybody now has nothing good to say.

From The Daily Beast

It was right that Liosha should be made aware of the emotional subtleties that underlay the bare facts.

From Project Gutenberg

The difference between Wilkins's and the Majestic resided in the theory which underlay its manner.

From Project Gutenberg

Some dark villainy underlay this, and that the witch doctor was connected with it was borne in upon my mind without a doubt.

From Project Gutenberg

It glowed and iridesced in the sunlight as if gleaming up from underlay under underlay of red.

From Project Gutenberg

The hills of Champagne, green with vines, and white as with an underlay of chalk, rose behind us.

From Project Gutenberg