Gig, a farthing. Formerly GRIG.
Gig, fun, frolic, a spree. Old French, GIGUE, a jig, a romp.
“In search of lark, or some delicious GIG,
The mind delights on, when ’tis in prime twig.”
“‘No heirs have I,’ said mournful Matt;
But Tom, still fond of GIG,
Cried out, ‘No hairs? don’t fret at that,
When you can buy a wig.’”
Gig lamps, spectacles; also a person who wears spectacles is often called GIG-LAMPS. Connexion obvious. This term has been in use probably as long as GIG-LAMPS themselves—if GIG-LAMPS were invented after spectacles.
Gill, or JILL, a homely woman; “Jack and Gill,” &c.
Gills, the lower part of the face.—Bacon. “To grease one’s GILLS,” “to have a good feed,” or make a hearty meal. A man suffering from the effects of a previous night’s debauch, is said to “look queer about the GILLS.”
Gills, overlarge shirt collars.
Gilt, money. German, GELD; Dutch, GELT.
Gimcrack, a bijou, a slim piece of mechanism. Old slang for “a spruce wench.”—New Bailey. Any things which are gaudy and easily breakable, are known now as GIMCRACKS.