From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:
Ceil \Ceil\ (s[=e]l), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Ceiled (s[=e]ld); p.
pr. & vb. n. Ceiling.] [From an older noun, fr. F. ciel
heaven, canopy, fr. L. caelum heaven, vault, arch, covering;
cf. Gr. koi^los hollow.]
1. To overlay or cover the inner side of the roof of; to
furnish with a ceiling; as, to ceil a room.
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The greater house he ceiled with fir tree. --2
Chron. iii. 5
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2. To line or finish a surface, as of a wall, with plaster,
stucco, thin boards, or the like.
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From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:
Ceiling \Ceil"ing\, n. [See Cell, v. t.]
1. (Arch.)
(a) The inside lining of a room overhead; the under side
of the floor above; the upper surface opposite to the
floor.
(b) The lining or finishing of any wall or other surface,
with plaster, thin boards, etc.; also, the work when
done.
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2. (Naut.) The inner planking of a vessel.
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Camp ceiling. See under Camp.
Ceiling boards, Thin narrow boards used to ceil with.
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