noun / adjective
gilt
GILT/ɡˈɪlt/
A thin covering of gold or gold-colored material.
A thin layer of gilt covers part of the carved wooden ornament.
Etymology
Gilt is a past-participle form of Middle English gilden, “to cover with gold.” Used as an adjective, it describes the resulting coated surface rather than the action of applying it.
In context
the spurs were not gilt, but lacquered green, and so brightly polished
More examples
- Years of handling have worn away the gilt.
- The book has gilt edges and a leather cover.
- She carefully cleans the mirror's delicate gilt frame.
Forms
gilt
gild verb — To cover with gold or gold-colored material.
Similar words
- gold leaf
- Real gold hammered into sheets, rather than any gold-colored coating.
- gilding
- Can name either the coating or the process of applying it.