n. 1. The art or process of covering anything with a plate or plates, or with metal, particularly of overlaying a base or dull metal with a thin plate of precious or bright metal, as by mechanical means or by electro-magnetic deposition. [ 1913 Webster ]
2. A thin coating of metal laid upon another metal. [ 1913 Webster ]
3. A coating or defensive armor of metal (usually steel) plates. [ 1913 Webster ]