Gooseberry-wig, subs. (old).—A large frizzled wig. ‘Perhaps,’ says Grose (s.v.), ‘from a supposed likeness to a gooseberry bush.’
1811. Lexicon Balatronicum, s.v.
Goosecap, subs. (common).—A booby, male or female; a noodle. For synonyms, see Buffle and Cabbage-head.
1593. G. Harvey, Pierce’s Super. in wks. II., 72. A foole, an idiot, a dolt, a goose-capp, an asse, and soe fourth.
1604. Dekker, Honest Wh. in wks. (1873), ii., 81. Out, you gulles, you goose-caps, you gudgeon-eaters!
1622. Beaumont and Fletcher, Beggar’s Bush, iv., 4. Why, what a goose-cap wouldst thou make me!
1763. Foote, Mayor of Garratt, Act i. My husband is such a goose-cap that I can’t get no good out of him at home or abroad.
1785. Grose, Vulg. Tongue, s.v. A silly fellow or woman.
Goose- (or Goose’s) Egg, subs. (American).—No score. Also Gooser. See Duck.
1886. New York Times, July. With nine unpalatable goose-eggs in their contest.