galley-west

[ gal-ee-west ]

adverb

1. Informal. into a state of unconsciousness, confusion, or disarray (usually used in the phrase to knock galley-west ).

adjective

1. Northern U.S. lopsided; cockeyed.

galley-west

adverb

1. slang.
   into confusion, inaction, or unconsciousness (esp in the phrase knock ( someone or something ) galley-west )

Word History and Origins

Origin of galley-west¹

1870–75, Americanism; alteration of British dialect collywest

Word History and Origins

Origin of galley-west¹

C19: from English dialect colly-west awry, perhaps from Collyweston, a village in Northamptonshire

Example Sentences

From the shadows by the gate Lucy Larcom sprang aloft to knock another beetle galley-west.

From Project Gutenberg

I then met with a change of heart, and overthrew the warty heathen god, and knocked him galley west.

From Project Gutenberg

I think it, or my sickness or the whole business together, knocked most of that self-confidence of mine galley-west.

From Project Gutenberg

Your generosity knocks that superstition galley-west, so I'll take you at your word.

From Project Gutenberg

The argument that all the strong animals eat only herbs and fruits was here knocked galley-west.

From Project Gutenberg