gilt1

 
Pronunciation: /gɪlt/

adjective

  • covered thinly with gold leaf or gold paint.

noun

  • 1 [mass noun] gold leaf or gold paint applied in a thin layer to a surface.
  • 2 (gilts) fixed-interest loan securities issued by the UK government.

Phrases

take the gilt off the gingerbread

see gingerbread.

Origin:

Middle English: archaic past participle of gild1

Do not confuse gilt with guilt. Gilt means 'covered with gold leaf' ( paintings in gilt frames), whereas guilt means 'the fact that someone has done something illegal' ( the prosecution must prove the prisoner’s guilt) or 'a feeling of having done wrong'.