1617. Middleton, A Faire Quarrell, iv., 4. Wondering gander-mooners.
1653. Brome, English Moor in Fiue New Playes. I’le keep her at the least this gander-month, while my fair wife lies-in.
1785. Grose, Vulg. Tongue, s.v.
1811. Lexicon Balatronicum, s.v.
Gander-party, subs. (common).—A gathering of men; a stag-party (q.v.); also Bull-dance, Gander-gang, etc. Cf., Hen-party = an assembly of women.
Gander-pulling. See Goose-riding.
Gander’s Wool, subs. phr. (common.)—Feathers.
Gang, subs. (old: now recognised).—A troop; a company.
1639–61. Rump, i., 228. ‘The Scotch War.’ With his gay gang of Blue-caps all. Ibid., ii., 104, ‘The Gang; or, the Nine Worthies, etc.’
1690. B. E., Cant. Crew, s.v. Gang, an ill knot or crew of thieves, pickpockets or miscreants; also a society of porters under a regulation. [[117]]