p. pr. & vb. n. - of Plate
n. - The art or process of covering anything with a plate or plates, or with metal, particularly of overlaying a base or dull metal with a thin plate of precious or bright metal, as by mechanical means or by electro-magnetic deposition.
n. - A thin coating of metal laid upon another metal.
n. - A coating or defensive armor of metal (usually steel) plates.