Gilded

/ˈɡɪldɪd/ adjective

Definition

Covered with a thin layer of gold or gold-colored material; decorated with gold in a showy or ornate way.

Etymology

From Old English 'gyldan,' to cover with gold, from 'gold' itself, becoming the past tense 'gilded' or 'gilt' describing something precious-looking and luxurious.

Kelly Says

The 'Gilded Age' of the late 1800s was named because wealthy industrialists covered everything in gold leaf to show off their money—the word perfectly captures shallow luxury.

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