Begilded

Part of speech: verb

Definitions

1. Covered with a layer of gold or a material resembling gold ; decorated or made to appear more attractive in a way that might mask the true nature
2. Having a surface of gold or a gold-like coating ; adorned with an appearance designed to impress but possibly misleading
3. Plated or overlaid in gold or a similar substance ; enhanced superficially to give a pleasing or deceptive effect

Etymology: "Begilded" is the past form of "begild," a verb built from the prefix "be-" and the verb "gild," meaning to cover with a thin layer of gold. The prefix "be-" in Old English worked to make verbs that mean "to cover or affect thoroughly," so "begild" carries the sense of gilding something all over. The base "gild" is the older and more familiar of the pair, and "begild" is the more emphatic version, used for a surface completely covered in gold.

Synonyms: gilded, gold-plated, glamorized, enhanced, decorated

Antonyms: ungilded, bare, naked, plain, unadorned