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

Example Sentences

"GAR Balks at Southern Flag in Parade," reported The Baltimore Sun.

From The Daily Beast

He's larned not to thry an' light his see-gar at th' ilicthric light.

From Project Gutenberg

After lunch they all went off to the Rookery, which was at the other side of the park from Gar Wood.

From Project Gutenberg

We have other places in the neighbourhood to show you quite as pretty as Gar Wood.

From Project Gutenberg

In one pool at station C-1 hundreds of young buffalo and gar were observed.

From Project Gutenberg

When bairns are young they gar their parents' heads ache; when they are auld they make their hearts break.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• bayonet