The Collaborative International Dictionary
ormolu varnish
ormolu \or`mo*lu"\ ([^o]r`m[-o]*l[udd]"), n. [F. or moulu; or gold (L. aurum) + moulu, p. p. of moudre to grind, to mill, L. molere. See Aureate, and Mill.] A variety of brass made to resemble gold by the use of less zinc and more copper in its composition than ordinary brass contains. Its golden color is often heightened by means of lacquer of some sort, or by use of acids. Called also mosaic gold.
ormolu varnish, a varnish applied to metals, as brass, to give the appearance of gold.