v.tr. (past part. gilded or as adj. in sense 1 gilt) 1 cover thinly with gold. 2 tinge with a golden colour or light. 3 give a specious or false brilliance to. gilded cage luxurious but restrictive surroundings. gilded youth young people of wealth, fashion, and flair. gild the lily try to improve what is already beautiful or excellent. gilder n.
[ OE gyldan f. Gmc ]