Dictionary entry

Gloss

Webster's Dictionary 1913

Gloss (glŏs), n. [Cf. Icel. glossi a blaze, glys finery, MHG. glosen to glow, G. glosten to glimmer; perh. akin to E. glass.] 1. Brightness or luster of a body proceeding from a smooth surface; polish; as, the gloss of silk; cloth is calendered to give it a gloss.

It is no part... to set on the face of this cause any fairer gloss than the naked truth doth afford. Hooker.

2. A specious appearance; superficial quality or show.

To me more dear, congenial to my heart,

One native charm than all the gloss of art. Goldsmith.