Gilder

/ˈɡɪldər/ noun

Definition

A person who applies gold leaf or gold-colored coating to objects, or someone who gilts as a profession.

Etymology

From gild + -er (one who performs an action). The -er suffix creates agent nouns from verbs, one of English's most productive patterns for naming professions and actors.

Kelly Says

Medieval gilders were high-status craftspeople—it took years to learn the intricate techniques of applying gold leaf without ruining it! The profession was so respected that 'gilder' became a common surname, and many Gilberts actually descend from gilders.

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