gilt

adjective \ ˈgilt \

: covered with gold or gilt : of the color of gold

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Origin and Etymology of gilt

Middle English, from past participle of gilden to gild

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First Known Use: 14th century

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Other Color Terms

argentine, cerise, cerulean, cyan, ocher, perse, puce, taupe, vermilion

gilt

noun

1 : gold or something that resembles gold laid on a surface

2 slang : money

3 : superficial brilliance

4 : a bond issued by the government of the United Kingdom

Origin and Etymology of gilt

see ¹gilt

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First Known Use: 15th century

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gilt

noun

: a young female swine

Origin and Etymology of gilt

Middle English gylte, from Old Norse gyltr; akin to Old English gelde sterile — more at geld

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First Known Use: 14th century

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Other Animal Husbandry Terms

apiary, bantam, calico, girth, hogwash, mast, rut

Financial Definition of GILT

gilt

noun

What It Is

Gilts are bonds issued by the British government. India's government bonds are also called gilts.

How It Works

Gilts get their nickname from the gilded edges that the security's certificates used to have.

In Britain, gilts are issued in 100-pound units and represent a loan to the government. The bonds promise income over a fixed term, and the government repays the principal at maturity. Investors can buy gilts from the British government by going to the government's Debt Management Office or via a brokerage service. Investors can also buy gilts at the post office.

Why It Matters

Gilts are the British equivalent of U.S. Treasury securities. Like Treasurys, some are indexed to inflation. Large financial institutions are the largest purchasers.

Source: Investing Answers