Gilding

Part of speech: noun, verb

Pronunciation: /ˈɡɪldɪŋ/

Definitions

1. The process of applying a thin layer of gold or a gold-like substance to a surface ; the act of decorating or enhancing an object or idea to improve its appearance or value
2. Covering an item with a delicate gold film to give it a rich appearance ; making something seem more attractive or impressive by adding decorative features
3. Coating surfaces with a fine layer of gold for ornamentation ; the practice of improving or beautifying by adding ornamental touches

Etymology: "Gilding" is the present participle and gerund of "gild," which comes from Old English "gyldan," meaning to cover with gold. The verb is ultimately related to "gold" itself, and its root traces back to a Germanic word for yellow, so the link between the metal and the color is built into the family of words from the start. The noun "gilding" names the thin layer of gold applied to a surface, and it is the older, more literal sense. Over time the word took on a figurative meaning: adding showy decoration or flattering surfaces to make something look more valuable than it is. The phrase "gilding the lily," meaning to add unnecessary ornament to something already beautiful, shows this shift clearly, and it comes from Shakespeare's "King John," where the line is "to gild refined gold, to paint the lily."

Synonyms: gold leaf, ornamentation