Definition of "nickel-plating" [nickel-plating]

• The process of covering the surface of metals with a coating of nickel, either by means of a heated solution or by electrodeposition, for the purpose of improving their appearance or their wearing qualities, or of rendering them less liable to oxidation by heat or moisture. (noun)

The Century Dictionary (Public Domain)

• "This is always done in factories where nickel-plating is carried on, but it is inconvenient in the laboratory."
• "The extensive nickel-plating that became a permanent fad in this country on the discovery of a special process some years ago, is all done by electrolysis."
• "The idle passengers, by this time mostly on speaking terms, begin to let the common metal of their real make-up show through the nickel-plating of the first interchange of courtesies."