Daub1, v. t.
v. t. [imp. & p. p. DAUBED; p. pr. & vb. n. DAUBING.] [W. dubiaw, Ir. dob, to plaster, to daub, W. dub, mortar, cement, Ir. & O. Gael. dob, plaster, mire, gutter, Ir. doib, plaster, daub. Cf. Fr. dauber, to strike, to beat.]
Sense 1. To smear with soft, adhesive matter; to plaster; to cover with mud, slime, or other soft substance.
She took for him an ark of bulrushes, and daubed it with slime and with pitch. Ex. ii. 3.
Sense 2. To paint in a coarse or unskillful manner.
If a picture is daubed with many bright and glaring colors, the vulgar admire it as an excellent piece. Watts.
Sense 3. To cover with a specious or deceitful exterior; to disguise; to conceal.
So smooth he daubed his vice with show of virtue. Shak.
Sense 4. To flatter excessively or grossly. [Rare.]
Let every one, therefore, attend the sentence of his conscience, for . . . it will not daub nor flatter. South.
I can safely say, however, that, without any daubing at all, I am very sincerely your very affectionate, humble servant. Smollett.
Sense 5. To lay or put on without taste; to deck awkwardly or ostentatiously. [Obs.]
Let him be daubed with lace. Dryden.