gilding

Verb

gild (third-person singular simple present gilds, present participle gilding, simple past and past participle gilded or gilt)

1. (transitive) To cover with a thin layer of gold; to cover with gold leaf.
   • High above the city, on a tall column, stood the statue of the Happy Prince. He was gilded all over with thin leaves of fine gold, for eyes he had two bright sapphires, and a large red ruby glowed on his sword-hilt.1888 May, Oscar Wilde, “The Happy Prince”, in The Happy Prince and Other Tales, London: David Nutt, […], →OCLC, page 1
2. (transitive) To adorn.
   • I will make fast the doors, and gild myself
     With some more ducats, and be with you straight.c. 1596–1598 (date written), William Shakespeare, “The Merchant of Venice”, in Mr. William Shakespeares Comedies, Histories, & Tragedies […] (First Folio), London: […] Isaac Iaggard, and Ed[ward]...
3. (transitive) To decorate with a golden surface appearance.
   • Gild the entire outside with beaten egg yolk, and sprinkle it with grated parmesan.2008, Ivan P. Day, Cooking in Europe, 1650-1850, page 98
4. (transitive) To give a bright or pleasing aspect to.
   • When sparkling stars twire not, thou gild'st the even.1609, William Shakespeare, “Sonnet 28”, in Shake-speares Sonnets. […], London: By G[eorge] Eld for T[homas] T[horpe] and are to be sold by William Aspley, →OCLC
5. (transitive) To give a brilliant colour or flush to one's face; (also) to make appear drunk.
   • [Alonso] And Trinculo is reeling-ripe: vvhere sſhould they
     Finde this grand Liquor that hath gilded'em?
     Hovv cam'ſt thou in this pickle?1610–1611 (date written), William Shakespeare, “The Tempest”, in Mr. William Shakespeares Comedies, Histories, & Tragedies […] (First Folio), London: […] Isaac Iaggard, and Ed[ward] Blount, published...