subs. (old).—A sword; specifically, in the Middle Ages, that of a hired soldier. [From Fr., gagner = to gain + pain = bread. Cf., BREADWINNER (prostitutes’) and POTBOILER (artists’).] For synonyms, see CHEESE-TOASTER and POKER.
subs. (old).—A sword; specifically, in the Middle Ages, that of a hired soldier. [From Fr., gagner = to gain + pain = bread. Cf., BREADWINNER (prostitutes’) and POTBOILER (artists’).] For synonyms, see CHEESE-TOASTER and POKER.
