GUDGEON

The common name of a small species of the Cyprinoid family of soft-finned fishes; having, like the barbel, cirri or feelers at the mouth, and both the dorsal and anal fins short, but without a strong bony ray at the commencement of either. The species consequently forms the type of a distinct subgenus called Gobio. GUDGEONS. in Machinery, the pins inserted in the extremities of a shaft, or the axle of a wheel, on which it turns, and which support the whole weight. In order to diminish friction, gudgeons are made as small as po ible in diameter; leaving, however, sufficient strength to support the weight. They are frequently formed of cast iron, on account of its cheapne ; but wrought iron of the same dimensions is considerably stronger, and will support a greater load. GUEBERS, or GUEBRES (?. e. Giaours, iT\fidels). The sectaries of the ancient Persian religion, of which the chief peculiarity consisted in the worship of fire, are so termed by the Mohammedans. They still exist in some of the southern and eastern districts of Persia; but a colony of them has been long established at Bombay, and other parts of the western coast of India, and has attained to wealth and distinction. These are termed in India Parsees, from the nation from which they originally sprang. The Guebres explain the worship of fire by profe ing to regard it as a symbol only of the Divinity. Their sacred books are termed the Zend-Avesta. See GUELF, ORDER OF, or [s. 545]