japan

A black enamel or lacquer used to produce a durable glossy finish.

An object decorated with this substance.

To decorate with a black enamel or lacquer.

To coat with a glossy finish.

To varnish with japan; cover with any material which gives a hard black gloss.

To invest with the black coat of a clergyman; ordain.

Of or pertaining to Japan: as, Japan varnish (now written “japan varnish,” without reference to the country); Japan work, etc.

Work varnished and figured in the manner practised by the natives of Japan.

A liquid having somewhat the nature of a varnish, made by cooking gum shellac with linseed-oil in a varnish-kettle.

An asphaltum varnish.