From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:
Plate \Plate\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Plated; p. pr. & vb. n.
Plating.]
1. To cover or overlay with gold, silver, or other metals,
either by a mechanical process, as hammering, or by a
chemical process, as electrotyping.
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2. To cover or overlay with plates of metal; to arm with
metal for defense.
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Thus plated in habiliments of war. --Shak.
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3. To adorn with plated metal; as, a plated harness.
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4. To beat into thin, flat pieces, or lamin[ae].
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5. To calender; as, to plate paper.
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