gild

Meanings

1. 1
   verb

   To cover with a thin layer of gold; to cover with gold leaf.

   High above the city, on a tall column, stood the statue of the Happy Prince. He was gilded all over with thin leaves of fine gold, for eyes he had two bright sapphires, and a large red ruby glowed on his sword-hilt.

2. 2
   verb

   To decorate with a golden surface appearance.

   Gild the entire outside with beaten egg yolk, and sprinkle it with grated parmesan.

3. 3
   verb

   To give a bright or pleasing aspect to.

   When sparkling stars twire not, thou gild'st the even.

From Middle English gilden, gulden, from Old English gyldan (“to gild, to cover with a thin layer of gold”), from Proto-West Germanic *gulþijan, from Proto-Germanic *gulþijaną, from Proto-Germanic *gulþą (“gold”).

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