from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
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}.
[1913 Webster]
{ormolu varnish}, a varnish applied to metals, as brass, to
give the appearance of gold.
[1913 Webster]