gib

¹ American  

[gib] / gɪb /

noun

1. a hooked prolongation that develops during the spawning season on the lower jaw of a male salmon or trout.

2. Machinery.

   1. a thin, wedgelike strip of metal for controlling the area in which a moving part, as the table of a milling machine, slides.

   2. a keylike part having a head at each end, used with a matching cotter as a fastening.

3. (in carpentry or ironwork) a heavy metal strap for fastening two members together.

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verb (used with object)

gibbed, gibbing

1. to fasten (parts) together by means of a gib.

gib ² American  

[gib] / gɪb /

noun

1. a cat, especially a male cat.

2. a castrated cat.

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Gib. ³ American  

abbreviation

1. Gibraltar.

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gib ¹ British  

/ ɡɪb /

noun

1. a metal wedge, pad, or thrust bearing, esp a brass plate let into a steam engine crosshead

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verb

1. (tr) to fasten or supply with a gib

Gib ² British  

/ dʒɪb /

noun

1. an informal name for Gibraltar

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gib ³ British  

/ ɡɪb /

noun

1. a male cat, esp a castrated one

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Etymology

Origin of gib¹

First recorded in 1555–65; origin uncertain

Origin of gib²

1350–1400; Middle English gib ( be ), short for Gilbert proper name