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Gilt (g hard)

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To take the gilt off the gingerbread. To destroy the illusion. The reference is to gingerbread watches, men, and other gilded toys, sold at fairs. These eatables were common even in the reign of Henry IV., but were then made of honey instead of treacle.

 

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Entry taken from Dictionary of Phrase and Fable, edited by the Rev. E. Cobham Brewer, LL.D. and revised in 1895.

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Giles (St.)
Giles Overreach (Sir)
Giles of Antwerp (g soft)
Gill (g soft) or Jill
Gill (Harry)
Gills (g hard)
Gillie (g hard)
Gillies Hill
Gillyflower (g soft)
Gilpin (John)
Gilt (g hard)
Gilt-edge Investments
Giltspur Street (West Smithfield)
Gimlet Eye (g hard)
Gimmer (g soft)
Gin Sling
Ginevra (g soft)
Gingerbread
Gingerbread (g soft)
Gingerbread Husbands
Gingerly