PLATE, n. [L. Latus, with the radical sense of laid, spread.] 1. A piece of metal, flat or extended in breadth.2. Armor of plate, composed of broad pieces, and thus distinguished from mail.3. A piece of wrought silver, as a dish or other shallow vessel; hence, vessels of silver; wrought silver in general. Plate, by the laws of some states, is subject to a tax by the ounce.4. A small shallow vessel, made of silver or other metal, or of earth glazed and baked, from which provisions are eaten at table. A wooden plate is called a trencher.5. The prize given for the best horse in a race.6. In architecture, the piece of timber which supports the ends of the rafters. [See Platform.]PLATE, v.t. To cover or overlay with plate or with metal; used particularly of silver; as plated vessels. 1. To arm with plate or metal for defense; as, to plate sin with gold. Why plated in habiliments of war?2. To adorn with place; as a plated harness.3. To beat into thin flat pieces or lamens.
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