Gamp

( Sarah ), a monthly nurse, residing in Kings gate Street, High Holborn. Sarah was noted for her gouty umbrella, and for her perpetual reference to an hypothetical Mrs. Harris, whose opinions were a confirmation of her own. She was fond of strong tea and strong stimulants. “Don’t ask me,” she said, “whether I won’t take none, or whether I will, but leave the bottle on the chimley piece, and let me put my lips to it when I am so dispoged.” When Mrs. Prig “her pardner,” stretched out her hand to the teapot [ filled with gin ], Mrs. Gamp stopped the hand and said with great feeling, “No, Betsy! drink fair, wotever you do.” (See Harris .)—C. Dickens, Martin Chuzzlewit , xlix. (1843). ⁂ A big, pawky umbrella is called a Mrs. Gamp , and in France, un Robinson , from Robinson Crusoe’s umbrella. ⁂ Mrs. Gamp and Mrs. Harris have Paris i an sisters in Mde. Pochet and Mde. Gibou, creations of Henri Monnier.