1. 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.
Phrases and idioms:
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.
Derivatives:
gilder n.
Etymology: OE gyldan f. Gmc 2.var. of GUILD.