1. The hard external coat or covering of anything; the hard exterior surface or outer shell; an in_____ation; as, a _____ of snow. I have known the statute of an emperor quite hid under a _____ of dross. Addison. Below this icy _____ of conformity, the waters of infidelity lay dark and deep as ever. Prescott. 2. (Cookery) (a) The hard exterior or surface of bread, in distincti...