/ gɪlt; NAmE / noun
1.
[ U ] a thin layer of gold, or sth like gold that is used on a surface for decoration :
gilt lettering
2.
gilts [ pl. ] ( BrE , finance ) gilt-edged investments
3.
[ C ] ( especially NAmE ) a young female pig
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IDIOMS
- take the gilt off the gingerbread
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WORD ORIGIN
senses 1 to 2 Middle English : archaic past participle of gild .
sense 3 Middle English : from Old Norse gyltr .