gaff topsail (gaftopsl)

[= Dan.gaffeltop seil Sw. gaffeltoppsegel.] 1. Naut., a light Little Swills in what are profe ionally known as "patter" allusions to the subject is received with loud applause; and the same vocalist gags in the regular busine like a man inspired. Dickens, Bleak House, xxxix. The leading actors will be nervous, uncertain in their words, and disposed to interpolate or gag until their memories are refreshed by the prompter. Corn hill Mag. gag (gag), n. [Early mod. E. gagge ; gag . v .] triangular or quadrilateral sail set above a gaff 1. Something thrust into the mouth or throat (as the gaff extending the head of a cutter's to prevent speech or outcry; hence, any vio IMG:content-2002.png:[blocks in formation] L. has recorded the repugnance of the school to gags , or the fat of fresh beef boiled. Lamb , Christ's Hospital. 3. An apparatus or device for distending the jaws, such as is used in various surgical operations; hence, anything used to pry or keep open the jaws. Musicians in England have vsed to put gagges in children's mouthes, that they might pronounce distinctly. Sir T. Wilson, Art of Rhetoric, p. 223. The eyelid is set open with the gags of lust and envy. Rev. T. Adams , Works, L. 73. 4. In coal- mining, a chip of wood in a sinking pit-bottom or sump. Gresley. [Eng.]-5. An interpolation introduced by an actor into his part, whether in accordance with custom or with his own fancy. [Stage slang.] You see the performances consisted all of gag . I don't suppose anybody knows what the words are in the piece. Mayhew. I have heard some very pa able gags at the Marionette, but the real com media a braccio no longer exists, and its familiar and invariable characters perform written plays. Howells, Venetian Life, v. 6. A joke, especially a practical joke; a farce; a hoax. [Slang.] gagatet, n. [ME. gagate, also as L. gagates, an agate: see agate2.] Agate. Agate Fuller. gagel (gaj), n. [ME. ga IMG:content-2003.png:[blocks in formation]