regild

verb

re·​gild (ˌ)rē-ˈgild 

regilded or regilt (ˌ)rē-ˈgilt  ; regilding

transitive verb

: to gild (something or someone) anew:

a

: to overlay (something) again with a thin covering of gold

The frame was regilded as part of the restoration.

b

: to restore (someone or something) to an attractive but often deceptive appearance

Hers was the mission … of regilding the hero of the holy war …

—Amy Kelly

The Italian dealer Giacomo Medici was eventually convicted and jailed, at which point the Swiss decided it was time to regild the reputation of the freeport …

—Alastair Bonnett

Word History

First Known Use

1583, in the meaning defined above