1. a severe defeat or beating
Usage: informal
2. the application of shellac as a finish or coating

Examples

• The home team took a real shellacking in last night’s game.
• After that shellacking in the debate, his campaign never recovered.
• The opposition party received a shellacking at the polls.
• The antique table needed a new shellacking to restore its shine.
• He spent the afternoon shellacking the wooden chairs.
• The shellacking gave the floor a beautiful glossy finish.