† ˈgnatho Obs.
Also 6–7 gnato.
[a. L. Gnathō, ad. Gr. γνάθων, used as the proper name of a parasite (f. γνάθος jaw).]
A person resembling the Gnatho of Terence; a parasite, sycophant.
| 1533 Elyot Knowledge Pref. A 5, For there be Gnathos in Spayne as wel as in Grece. 1549 Latimer 2nd Serm. bef. Edw. VI (Arb.) 68 Take hede of these claubacks..that wyll folowe lyke gnatoes and Parasites. 1624 Burton Anat. Mel. i. ii. i. ii. (ed. 2) 45 Vndeseruing Gnatoes & vitious parasites. 1704 N. N. tr. Boccalini's Lett. fr. Apollo i. 141 Parasites and Gnatho's. |