gold plate

Short definition from Wiktionary

Noun

1. 1
   A thin layer of gold applied to the surface of an object, often by an electrolytic method.
2. 2
   Used other than figuratively or idiomatically: see gold, plate.

Verb

1. 1
   To apply gold plate to an object, to plate with gold.
2. 2
   To incorporate costly or otherwise excessive features or refinements unnecessarily, to overengineer.
3. 3
   To embellish, to extend beyond its intended scope, especially so as to become stifling, or rigid and inflexible.
4. 4
   Alternative spelling of gold plate.