Gold leaf or paint brings, they say, a sense of shame (4)

I believe the answer is:

gilt

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'gold leaf' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)

I can't explain the rest of the clue.

(Other definitions for gilt that I've seen before include "Thin layer of gold leaf or paint" , "Covered in gold leaf" , "Gold-coloured coating" , "Bond" , "A gov't security; a pig" .)

I've seen this clue in the Sydney Morning Herald.

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