ve·neer / vəˈni(ə)r/ • n. a thin decorative covering of fine wood applied to a coarser wood or other material. ∎  a layer of wood used to make plywood. ∎  [in sing.] an attractive appearance that covers or disguises someone or something's true nature or feelings: her veneer of composure cracked a little.• v. [tr.] [usu. as adj.] (veneered) cover (something) with a decorative layer of fine wood. ∎  cover or disguise (someone or something's true nature) with an attractive appearance.

veneer cover with a thin coating of finer wood. XVII. Recorded first in the gerund faneering, later fineering, veneering — G. furni(e)rung, fourni(e)rung, vbl. sb. of furniren — (O)F. fournir FURNISH.
So veneer sb. XVIII.

veneer Extremely thin sheet of wood, or a thin sheet of a precious material such as ivory or tortoise-shell, which gives furniture or other objects the appearance of being more valuable than they are. Veneers may also be used as decorative shapes inlaid into a surface.