That makes a lot of sense, Bob. I should know better than to trust wikipedia or dictionary.com (which says partly OR completely erased). I’m usually much more careful about my sources!!

palimpsest – Definition of palimpsest
a parchment, tablet, etc. that has been written upon or inscribed two or three times, the previous text or texts having been imperfectly erased and remaining, therefore, still …
yourdictionary.com/palimpsest
Merriam is about the same.

It is the very basis of the metaphorical use meaning the “layers” of previous experience enhancing an actor’s performance, the quality of a writer’s work. The previous experience “shines through”.

Hmm, I never saw this in any of the definitions I found. In fact, Romans wrote on wax-covered tablets that could be smoothed and reused. Why do you think it’s important to add the modifier “imperfectly,” Bob?