gild

noun

1. Archaic spelling of guild.

   “No trade gild might be started without the consent of the whole body of hanasters, who would insist that the regulations were not harmful to the burgesses as a whole; […]”

verb

Etymology: From Middle English gilden, gulden, from Old English gyldan (“to gild, to cover with a thin layer of gold”), from Proto-West Germanic *gulþijan, from Proto-Germanic *gulþijaną, from Proto-Germanic *gulþą (“gold”).

1. 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.”

2. To adorn.

   “I will make fast the doors, and gild myself With some more ducats, and be with you straight.”

3. To decorate with a golden surface appearance.

   “Gild the entire outside with beaten egg yolk, and sprinkle it with grated parmesan.”

4. To give a bright or pleasing aspect to.

   “When sparkling stars twire not, thou gild'st the even.”

5. 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?”