Defn: To divide (a State) into districts for the choice of representatives, in an unnatural and unfair way, with a view to give a political party an advantage over its opponent. [Political Cant, U. S.]
Note: This was done in Massachusetts at a time when Elbridge Gerry was governor, and was attributed to his influence, hence the name; though it is now known that he was opposed to the measure. Bartlett.
GERUND
Ger"und, n. Etym: [L. gerundium, fr. gerere to bear, carry, perform.
See Gest a deed, Jest.] (Lat. Gram.)
1. A kind of verbal noun, having only the four oblique cases of the singular number, and governing cases like a participle.
2. (AS. Gram.)
Defn: A verbal noun ending in -e, preceded by to and usually denoting purpose or end; — called also the dative infinitive; as, "Ic hæbbe mete tô etanne" (I have meat to eat.) In Modern English the name has been applied to verbal or participal nouns in -ing denoting a transitive action; e. g., by throwing a stone.
GERUNDIAL
Ge*run"di*al, a.
Defn: Pertaining to, or resembling, a gerund; as, a gerundial use.
GERUNDIVE
Ge*run"dive, a. Etym: [L. gerundivus.]
Defn: Pertaining to, or partaking of, the nature of the gerund; gerundial. — n. (Lat. Gram.)