Etymology From Middle English gliteren, from Old Norse glitra, from Proto-Germanic *glitrōną (“to glitter”), from Proto-Indo-European *ǵʰley-.
1
A bright, sparkling light; shininess or brilliance.
As yet there had been no symptom of the news having any better foundation than in the fears of those who brought it, but The Boot had not been deserted five minutes, when there appeared, coming across the fields, a body of men who, it was easy to see, by the glitter of their arms and ornaments in the sun, and by their orderly and regular mode of advancing.1841 February–November, Charles Dickens, “Barnaby Rudge. Chapter 57.”, in Master Humphrey’s Clock, volume III, London: Chapman & Hall, […], →OCLC:
This to them seems most like mother earth in color, and therefore best, as it is, to enhance the beauty of flowers instead of detracting from their exquisite shades. What a contrast to the glitter and show of our silver vases, which represent generally little else but their cost.1913, Mary Averill, Japanese flower arrangement, Chapter 20:
2
A shiny, decorative adornment, sometimes sprinkled on glue to make simple artwork.
Etymology From Middle English gliteren, from Old Norse glitra, from Proto-Germanic *glitrōną (“to glitter”), from Proto-Indo-European *ǵʰley-.
1
To sparkle with light; to shine with a brilliant and broken light or showy luster; to gleam.
a glittering sword
the glittering ornaments on a Christmas tree
1 more example
The field yet glitters with the pomp of war.1697, Virgil, “The Second Book of the Georgics”, in John Dryden, transl., The Works of Virgil: Containing His Pastorals, Georgics, and Æneis. […], London: […] Jacob Tonson, […], →OCLC:
2
To be showy, specious, or striking, and hence attractive.