gar

¹

[ gahr ]

noun

, plural (especially collectively) gar, (especially referring to two or more kinds or species) gars.

1. Also called garfish, garpike. any predaceous freshwater fish of the genus Lepisosteus, of North America, covered with hard, diamond-shaped scales and having long jaws with needlelike teeth.
2. needlefish ( def 1 ).

gar

²

[ gahr ]

verb (used with object)

, garred, gar·ring.

1. Scot. to compel or force (someone) to do something.
2. Scot. and North England Obsolete. to do, perform, or cause.

gar.

³

abbreviation for

1. garage.

G.A.R.

⁴

abbreviation for

1. Grand Army of the Republic.

gar

¹

/ ɡɑːr /

verb

1. tr to cause or compel

gar

²

/ ɡɑː /

noun

1. See garfish, garpike
   short for garpike garfish

Word History and Origins

Origin of gar¹

1755–65, Americanism; shortened form of garfish

Origin of gar²

1250–1300; Middle English geren, garren, gairen < Old Norse gera to do, make; akin to Old English gearwian to prepare

Word History and Origins

Origin of gar¹

from Old Norse

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