1791. Life of J. Lackington, Letter xix. As soon as I had procured a lodging and work my next enquiry was for Mr. Wesley’s Gospel-shops.
1852. Judson, Mysteries of New York, pt. II., ch. ii., p. 13. On about that ere gospel-shop as you was agoin for to crack last week.
1869. S. L. Clemens (Mark Twain) Innocents at Home, p. 17, 18. Are you the duck that runs the gospel-mill next door.
1892. Milliken, ’Arry Ballads, p. 35. It’s all gospel-shop gruel.
Goss (or Gossamer), subs. (common).—A hat. (At first a make of peculiar lightness called a four-and-nine (q.v.).) In quot. 1836 = a white hat. For synonyms, see Golgotha.
1836. Dickens, Pickwick, ch. xii. ‘That’s one thing, and every hole lets in some air, that’s another—wentilation gossamer I calls it.’ On the delivery of this sentiment, Mr. Weller smiled agreeably upon the assembled Pickwickians.
1838. Jas. Grant, Sketches in London, ch. ix., p. 294. Another passenger inquired whether the hat was ‘a vashing beaver von?’ while a fourth inquired whether it was ‘a gossamer ventilator?’
1851. H. Mayhew, Lond. Lab. and Lond. Poor, Vol. II., p. 49. I have sold hats from 6d. to 3s. 6d., but very seldom 3s. 6d. The 3s. 6d. ones would wear out two new gossamers, I know.
1884. A. Lang, Much Darker Days, p. 25. Yes, the white hat, lying there all battered and crushed on the white snow, must be the hat of Sir Runan! … who else would wear the gay gossamer of July in stormy December? [[188]]
1888. Harper’s Magazine, LXXVII., 139. Flinging off his gossamer and hanging it up to drip into the pan of the hat rack.