plate

PLATE, noun [Latin Latus, with the radical sense of laid, spread.] 1. A piece of metal, flat or extended in breadth. 2. Armor of plate composed of broad pieces, and thus distinguished from mail. 3. A piece of wrought silver, as a dish or other shallow vessel; hence, vessels of silver; wrought silver in general. plate by the laws of some states, is subject to a tax by the ounce. 4. A small shallow vessel, made of silver or other metal, or of earth glazed and baked, from which provisions are eaten at table. A wooden plate is called a trencher. 5. The prize given for the best horse in a race. 6. In architecture, the piece of timber which supports the ends of the rafters. [See Platform.] PLATE, verb transitive To cover or overlay with plate or with metal; used particularly of silver; as plated vessels. 1. To arm with plate or metal for defense; as, to plate sin with gold. Why plated in habiliments of war? 2. To adorn with place; as a plated harness. 3. To beat into thin flat pieces or lamens.