Gypsy | n.; pl. Gypsies [ OE. Gypcyan, F. égyptien Egyptian, gypsy, L. Aegyptius. See Egyptian. ] [ Also spelled gipsy and gypsey. ] 1. One of a vagabond race, whose tribes, coming originally from India, entered Europe in the 14th or 15th century, and are now scattered over Turkey, Russia, Hungary, Spain, England, etc., living by theft, fortune telling, horsejockeying, tinkering, etc. Cf. Bohemian, Romany. [ 1913 Webster ] Like a right gypsy, hath, at fast and loose, Beguiled me to the very heart of loss. Shak. [ 1913 Webster ] 2. The language used by the gypsies. [ 1913 Webster ] 3. A dark-complexioned person. Shak. [ 1913 Webster ] 4. A cunning or crafty person. [ Colloq. ] Prior. [ 1913 Webster ] |
Gypsy | a. Pertaining to, or suitable for, gypsies. [ 1913 Webster ] Gypsy hat, a woman's or child's broad-brimmed hat, usually of straw or felt. -- Gypsy winch, a small winch, which may be operated by a crank, or by a ratchet and pawl through a lever working up and down. [ 1913 Webster ] |