† ˈgunster slang (? or nonce-wd.). Obs.
[f. gun n. + -ster.]
(See quot.)
| 1709 Steele Tatler No. 88 ¶2 The words Gunner and Gunster are not to be used promiscuously..Those who recount strange Accidents and Circumstances which have no Manner of Foundation in Truth, when they design to do Mischief are comprehended under the Appellation of Gunners, when they endeavour only to surprise and entertain, they are distinguished by the Name of Gunsters... The Gunner is destructive, and hated; the Gunster innocent, and laughed at. Ibid. ¶9 Come we now to the Gunsters. This Race of Engineers deals altogether in Wind-Guns, which by recoiling often, knock down those who discharge them, without hurting any body else. 1727 Boyer Fr. Dict., Gunster (a Cracker, or bouncing Fellow), un Bavard. |