overlay vs veil

overlay

noun
  • A covering over something else. 

  • A block of program code that is loaded over something previously loaded, so as to replace the functionality. 

  • A decal attached to a computer keyboard to relabel the keys. 

  • A pop-up covering an existing part of the display. 

  • A horse going off at higher odds than it appears to warrant, based on its past performances. 

  • A piece of paper pasted upon the tympan sheet to improve the impression by making it stronger at a particular place. 

  • A cravat. 

  • Odds which are set higher than expected or warranted. Favorable odds. 

verb
  • To lay, spread, or apply something over or across; cover. 

  • To put an overlay on. 

  • simple past tense of overlie 

  • To overwhelm; to press excessively upon. 

  • To bet too much money on. 

veil

noun
  • A covering for a person or thing; as, a caul (especially over the head) 

  • A thin layer of tissue which is attached to or covers a mushroom. 

  • A cover; disguise; a mask; a pretense. 

  • A membrane connecting the margin of the pileus of a mushroom with the stalk; a velum. 

  • Anything that partially obscures a clear view. 

  • The calyptra of mosses. 

  • That which separates the living and the spirit world. 

  • An obscuration of the clearness of the tones in pronunciation. 

  • velum (A circular membrane round the cap of a medusa). 

  • Something hung up or spread out to hide or protect the face, or hide an object from view; usually of gauze, crepe, or similar diaphanous material. 

verb
  • To dress in, or decorate with, a veil. 

  • To conceal as with a veil. 

How often have the words overlay and veil occurred in a corpus of books? (source: Google Ngram Viewer )