▪ I. overlying, vbl. n.
(əʊvəˈlaɪɪŋ)
[f. overlie v. + -ing1, or f. over- 8 + lying vbl. n.1]
The action of the verb overlie.
| c 1380 [see overlaying]. 1871 tr. Schellen's Spectr. Anal. xlv. 173 Produced by the overlying of the reversed spectra of such substances as are to be found in the earth. 1891 Daily News 31 Dec. 5/3 The proportion of deaths from overlying is more than twice as high on Saturday night as on any other night in the week. |
▪ II. ˈoverˈlying, ppl. a.
(stress var.)
[f. overlie v. + -ing2, or f. over- 8 + lying ppl. a.1]
That overlies; superincumbent.
| 1872 Lyell Princ. Geol. II. 244 The proximity of large overlying bodies of water. 1878 Huxley Physiogr. 35 The water having been absorbed by the overlying loose limestones. |