Guv, subs. (common).—An abbreviation of governor (q.v.).
Guy, subs. (colloquial).—1. A Fifth of November effigy; whence (2) an ill-dressed person. As in the old street cry, ‘Hollo, boys, there goes another guy!’ (an abbreviation of Guy Fawkes) = a figure of fun; a fright.
English Synonyms.—Caution; Captain Queer-nabs; chivey; comic bird; ragamuffin; sight.
French Synonyms. Un paquet (popular); une hallebarde (popular = a clothes-prop); un nippe-mal (popular); une bécasse (= a gaby); un carnavale (popular = a figure of fun).
1806. W. Burrell, in C. K. Sharpe’s Correspondence (1888), i., 277. A month ago there was neither shape nor make in use … no guy ever matched me.
1837. Barham, Ingoldsby Legends. ‘The Nurse’s Story.’ Did you see her, in short, that mud-hovel within, With her knees to her nose, and her nose to her chin, Leering up with that queer, indescribable grin, You’d lift up your hands in amazement and cry, ‘Well!—I never did see such a regular guy!’
1858. G. Eliot, Janet’s Repentance, ch. vi. Ned Phipps … whispered that he thought the Bishop was a guy, and I certainly remember thinking that Mr. Prendergast looked much more dignified with his plain white surplice and black hair.
1871. Morning Advertiser, 26 Jan. There is no imperative reason why a constable should be a guy.
3. (common).—A dark lantern. [Obviously a reminiscence of the Gunpowder Plot].
1811. Lexicon Balatronicum. Guy, s.v. Stow the guy, conceal the lanthorn.