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Dec 10, 2009
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Dictionary of Phrase and Fable—G

Gaberlunzie

or A gaberlunzie man (g hard). A mendicant; or; more strictly speaking, one of the king's bedesmen, who were licensed beggars. The word gaban is French for “a cloak with tight sleeves and a hood.” Lunzie is a diminutivo of laine (wool); so that gaberlunzie means “coarse woollen gown.” These bedesmen were also called blue-gowns (q.v.), from the colour of their cloaks. (See above, Gabardine.)

Source: Dictionary of Phrase and Fable, E. Cobham Brewer, 1894
Gabriel
Gabel', Gabelle
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  • Dictionary of Phrase and Fable: G - Definitions, origins, and illustrative excerpts for words, phases, and literary allusions starting with "G"
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