Gormed, a Norfolk corruption of a profane oath. So used by Mr. Peggotty in David Copperfield.
Gospel grinder, a City missionary, or tract-distributor.
Gospel Shop, an irreverent term for a church or chapel of any denomination. Mostly in use among sailors.
Goss, a hat—from the gossamer silk of which modern hats are made.
Goss, “to give a man GOSS,” to requite an injury, to beat, or kill. This is an Americanism, and is applied variously. A steamboat captain on the Mississippi, determined to pass his rival, called out, so the story goes, to the fireman, “Give her GOSS and let her rip, as I mean to pass that boat, or bust.”
Goth, an uncultivated person. One who is ignorant of the ways of society.
Go the whole pile, to put all one’s bank on a solitary chance. An Americanism which had its origin in the PILES of gold dust used as circulating medium by gambling miners.
Gourock ham, a salt herring. Gourock, on the Clyde, about twenty-five miles from Glasgow, was formerly a great fishing village.—Scotch.
Government sign-post, the gallows. This is necessarily almost obsolete.
Governor, a father, a master or superior person, an elder; “which way, GUV’NER, to Cheapside?”