Colorful coat (5)
I believe the answer is:
paint
'colorful coat' is the definition.
(I've seen this in another clue)
This is the entire clue.
(Other definitions for paint that I've seen before include "Colouring matter for decoration" , "Pigment" , "Item used by 23 Across" , "Artistic medium" , "Vividly describe; cosmetic (joc.)" .)