The Little Gentleman in Brown Velvet, subs. phr. (obsolete).—A mole. [The Tory toast after the death of William III., whose horse was said to have stumbled over a mole-hill.]
Gentleman of the Green Baize Road, subs. phr. (gamesters’).—A card sharper.
Gentleman Commoner, subs. phr. (University).—1. A privileged class of commoners at Oxford, wearing a special cut of gown and a velvet cap.
2. (common).—An empty bottle. Also fellow-commoner (q.v.). [A sarcastic allusion to the mental capacity of this class of student.] For synonyms, see Dead-man.
1785. Grose, Vulg. Tongue, s.v.
Gentleman-ranker, subs. (military).—A broken gentleman serving in the ranks.
1892. Kipling, Barrack Room Ballads. ‘Gentlemen Rankers.’ Gentleman-rankers out on the spree, Damned from here to eternity, God ha’ mercy on such as we, Baa! Yah! Bah! [[132]]
Gentleman’s Companion, subs. phr. (common).—A louse. For synonyms, see Chates.
1785. Grose, Vulg. Tongue, s.v.
Gentleman’s Master, subs. phr. (old).—A highwayman.—Grose.