patina

Until July 28, the country was authoritarian with a patina of democracy, holding periodic unfree, unfair elections.

Usually, dog whistles contain a patina of “plausible deniability” for hiding racial animus.

A bronze “Sentinel,” its surface featuring a rich black patina, transforms a traditional sphinx motif.

The next day, participants buffed their objects and applied chemical solvents to create patinas and finishes before heading back to the city.

New Yorkers are used to con artists – it is part of the patina of everyday life in Manhattan.