(Originally) a pale buff or straw-coloured, translucent varnish, especially that used to glaze oil or tempera paintings; (also) the resin used in making this; specifically = "mastic varnish"; (later also) any white-coloured varnish.
Origin
Mid 16th century.
Definition of white varnish in US English:
white varnish
noun
(Originally) a pale buff or straw-coloured, translucent varnish, especially that used to glaze oil or tempera paintings; (also) the resin used in making this; specifically = "mastic varnish"; (later also) any white-coloured varnish.