noun
( -s )
Etymology: Middle English, from gerund of gilden to gild — more at gild
1.
a.
(1) : the art or practice of overlaying or covering with gold
(2) : the similar use of some other yellow metal (as brass)
b. : the surface so decorated
c. : the material used for such decoration
2. : a superficial prettifying or embellishment
his great story needs no gilding — Burke Wilkinson