Citations:gig

English citations of gig

Etymology

Some theories pose its origin in Middle English gige (“fiddle”) or Middle English *gygge (found in Middle English whyrlegygge (“a top, whirligig, a rotating device”)), akin to Old Norse gígja (“fiddle”) and German Geige (“violin”). In Irish, the word gíog is an onomatopoeia meaning "chirp, tweet, squeak". However, none offers established continuity with the present sense.

The above text is unreferenced.

Noun

1. Senses relating to vehicles.
   1. (road transport, historical) A two-wheeled carriage drawn by a single horse.
      • 1868, The Family Herald:

        Years ago the cravers for sensation were delighted with the real gig and horse with the aid of which Mr. Thurtell murdered Mr. Weare.

        Unable to verify this quotation.