or gossamer, subs. (common).—A hat. (At first a make of peculiar lightness called a FOUR-AND-NINE [q.v.].) In quot. 1836 = a white hat. For synonyms, see GOLGOTHA.
1836. DICKENS, Pickwick Papers, ch. xii. ‘That’s one thing, and every hole lets in some air, that’s another—wentilation GOSSAMER I calls it.’ On the delivery of this sentiment, Mr. Weller smiled agreeably upon the assembled Pickwickians.
1838. JAS. GRANT, Sketches in London, ch. ix., p. 294. Another passenger inquired whether the hat was ‘a vashing beaver von?’ while a fourth inquired whether it was ‘a GOSSAMER ventilator?’
1851. H. MAYHEW, London Labour and the London Poor, Vol. II., p. 49. I have sold hats from 6d. to 3s. 6d., but very seldom 3s. 6d. The 3s. 6d. ones would wear out two new GOSSAMERS, I know.
1884. A. LANG, Much Darker Days, p. 25. Yes, the white hat, lying there all battered and crushed on the white snow, must be the hat of Sir Runan! … who else would wear the gay GOSSAMER of July in stormy December?
1888. Harper’s Magazine, LXXVII., 139. Flinging off his GOSSAMER and hanging it up to drip into the pan of the hat rack.
TO GIVE (or GET) GOSS, verb. phr. (American).—To requite an injury; to kill; to go strong; to get an opportunity; to PUT IN BIG LICKS (q.v.). Sometimes ejaculatory, as ‘Give me goss and let me rip!’
1847. ROBB, Streaks of Squatter Life, p. 75. GIN HIM GOSS without sweetin.
1847. J. M. FIELD, The Drama in Pokerville, p. 114. Divers hints passed from one to another, among the more excitable citizens, that ‘Old Sol was going to GET GOSS, sure.’
1847. W. T. PORTER, ed., A Quarter Race in Kentucky, etc., p. 115. Shouts of ‘Fair play,’ ‘Turn ’em out,’ ‘GIVE HIM GOSS,’ were heard on all sides.
1851. T. A. BURKE, ‘Doing’ a Sheriff, in Polly Peablossom’s Wedding and Other Tales, p. 99. Ef I don’t, the old man (the judge) will GIVE ME GOSS when I go back.
