gilt

¹

[ gilt ]

verb

1. a simple past tense and past participle of gild ¹.

adjective

1. gilded.
2. gold in color; golden.

noun

1. the thin layer of gold or other material applied in gilding.
2. gilt-edged security.

gilt

²

[ gilt ]

noun

1. a young female swine, especially one that has not produced a litter.

gilt

¹

/ ɡɪlt /

verb

1. a past tense and past participle of gild 1

noun

1. gold or a substance simulating it, applied in gilding
2. another word for gilding gilding
3. superficial or false appearance of excellence; glamour
4. a gilt-edged security
5. take the gilt off the gingerbread
   to destroy the part of something that gives it its appeal

adjective

1. covered with or as if with gold or gilt; gilded

gilt

²

/ ɡɪlt /

noun

1. a young female pig, esp one that has not had a litter

Word History and Origins

Origin of gilt¹

First recorded in 1300–50, for the adjective

Origin of gilt²

First recorded in 1300–50; Middle English gilte, Old Norse gylta

Word History and Origins

Origin of gilt¹

C15: from Old Norse gyltr; related to Old English gelte, Old High German gelza, Middle Low German gelte

Example Sentences

As I’ve written before, the concentration of wealth in America has reached levels that make the gilt of the 19th century Gilded Age look like dross.

From Los Angeles Times

However, on markets for UK government debt, the effective interest rate on a two-year gilt fell below 4% for the first time this year.

From BBC

They’re small, red-leather-bound copies with gilt lettering on the cover, and if I hold one I can be transported back to my childhood and family quizzes about Shakespeare.

From New York Times

Pale ladies on gilt chairs, their skirts arranged, the candle flame playing across their jewels.

From Literature

Donald J. Trump in that dingy courthouse so far removed from the Don’s usual gilt opulence, it’s downright disturbing to contemplate the similarities between his trial and that of a mob boss.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• gaudy
• gleaming
• glittering
• golden
• lustrous
• painted
• sparkling