Gourd and fullam (M. W. i. 3), names of uncertain origin for false dice; called in the same place high and low, sc. men. They were of course hollowed and leaded internally so as to turn up the numbers required.
Greek. "Merry Greek" (Tr. and Cr. i. 2, iv. 4). In the Latin Classics the Greeks were always represented as lively and cheerful (see Merry), as compared with the more sombre Romans; and hence the phrase "Merry as a Greek" may have come into use in England. Still the original may have been "as merry as a grig," the grig or young eel being so lively and vivacious.
Green-sleeves (M. W. ii. 1, v. 5), a celebrated air. The song of "Since laws were made for every degree" in the Beggar's Opera is to this air.
Groundling (Ham. iii. 2), one who stood on the ground in the pit of the theatre, where there were no seats, and the price of admittance was only a penny.
Guard (M. Ado, iii. 4, L. L. L. iv. 3), an edging or binding on clothes, so named, probably, as securing them from tearing. It then came to signify any trimming etc. on dress.
Guinever (L. L. L. iv. 1), the queen of King Arthur in the romances.
Gull (1 H. IV. v. 1, Tim. ii. 1), an unfledged bird; still used of goslings. It then came to signify a dupe, one imposed on (Tw. N. iii. 2, v. 1), also a trick, imposition (M. Ado, ii. 3).
Gumm'd velvet (1 H. IV. ii. 2), velvet stiffened with gum, whence it was apt to fret or fray.
Halcyon (Lear, ii. 2). "A little bird, called the king's-fisher, being hanged up in the air by the neck, his neb or bill will be always direct or straight against the wind."—Book of Notable Things.
Half-face (K. John, i. 1, 2 H. iv. iii. 1), in profile, as showing but half the face.