shellac

== English == === Etymology === From shell +‎ lac, calque of French laque en écailles (literally “lac in scales/shells”). This etymology is incomplete. You can help Wiktionary by elaborating on the origins of this term, particularly: Origin of informal senses needed. === Pronunciation === IPA(key): /ʃəˈlæk/, /ʃɛˈlæk/, /ˈʃɛlæk/ Rhymes: -æk === Noun === shellac (countable and uncountable, plural shellacs) A processed secretion of the lac insect, Coccus lacca; used in polishes, varnishes etc. (informal, US) A beating; a thrashing. ==== Synonyms ==== E904 when used as a glazing agent. ==== Derived terms ==== ==== Translations ==== === Verb === shellac (third-person singular simple present shellacs, present participle shellacking, simple past and past participle shellacked) (transitive) To coat with shellac. (informal, US, transitive) To beat; to thrash. (informal, US, transitive) To inflict a heavy defeat upon. ==== Derived terms ==== ==== Translations ====