gild
UK[ɡɪld]US[ɡɪld]
v
to cover something with a thin layer of gold or gold paint
v
to make something appear more attractive or valuable than it really is
Etymology
the verb 'gild' originates from the old english 'gyldan', meaning "to cover with gold". this old english term is itself derived from the proto-germanic 'gulþijaną', a verb formed from the noun 'gulþą' meaning "gold". the word is part of the ancient germanic lexicon, with cognates found in old norse 'gylta', old high german 'gulden', and gothic 'gulþjan'. its core meaning of applying a gold surface has persisted for over a millennium, while the metaphorical sense of deceptively embellishing something developed later, playing on the idea of a shiny but superficial coating.
Analysis
the word is a simplex form derived from old english. it functions as a single, indivisible root verb.
Examples
artisans would carefully gild the picture frames with gold leaf.
his flattering words were just an attempt to gild the harsh reality of the situation.
the morning sun seemed to gild the edges of the clouds with fire.