The Collaborative International Dictionary
Top-dress \Top"-dress`\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Top-dressed; p. pr. & vb. n. Top-dressing.] To apply a surface dressing of manureto,as land.
Top-dressing \Top"-dress`ing\, n. The act of applying a dressing of manure to the surface of land; also, manure so applied.
Dressing \Dress"ing\, n.
Dress; raiment; especially, ornamental habiliment or attire.
--B. Jonson.(Surg.) An application (a remedy, bandage, etc.) to cover a sore or wound.
--Wiseman.Manure or compost over land. When it remains on the surface, it is called a top-dressing.
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(Cookery)
A preparation, such as a sauce, to flavor food for eating; a condiment; as, a dressing for salad.
The stuffing of fowls, pigs, etc.; forcemeat.
Gum, starch, and the like, used in stiffening or finishing silk, linen, and other fabrics.
An ornamental finish, as a molding around doors, windows, or on a ceiling, etc.
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Castigation; scolding; -- often with down. [Colloq.]
Dressing case, a case of toilet utensils.
Dressing forceps, a variety of forceps, shaped like a pair of scissors, used in dressing wounds.
Dressing gown, a light gown, such as is used by a person while dressing; a study gown.
Dressing room, an apartment appropriated for making one's toilet.
Top-dressing, manure or compost spread over land and not worked into the soil.
Wiktionary
vb. (present participle of top-dress English)
Usage examples of "top-dressing".
It is true that there are the colleges for men, which still perform a good work--though some of them run a good deal more to a top-dressing of accomplishments than to a sub-soiling of discipline--but these colleges reach comparatively few.