gunsel

[guhn-suhl]

noun

Slang.

1. a criminal armed with a gun.

2. a young man in a sexual relationship with an older man; catamite.

gunsel

/ ˈɡʌnsəl /

noun

1. a catamite

2. a stupid or inexperienced person, esp a youth

3. a criminal who carries a gun

Word History and Origins

Origin of gunsel¹

First recorded in 1910–15; probably from Yiddish genzel “gosling,” from Middle High German gensel (diminutive of gans “goose”); armed criminal sense by influence of gun ¹ ( def. )

Word History and Origins

Origin of gunsel¹

C20: probably from Yiddish genzel; compare German ganslein gosling, from gans _goose ¹

Example Sentences

“This race fuel development for IndyCar is a great example of how fuels technology is pivotal in helping decarbonize the sport,” Dr. Selda Gunsel, President of Shell Global Solutions, said in a statement.

Read more on Seattle Times

Austin Gunsel temporarily had taken the post after Bell’s death and was backed by several longtime owners. 49ers counsel Marshall Leahy was supported by a group of newer owners.

Read more on Seattle Times

The viewer alternately counts beads of sweat on a gunsel’s face and gets an Old Testament God’s-eye view of a corrupt city that’s not too big for one righteous man to bring down or blow up.

Read more on Time

Marshall Leahy, a San Francisco lawyer; Austin Gunsel, a former F.B.I agent who became the acting commissioner after the death of Bert Bell; and Don Kellett, the general manager of the Baltimore Colts, could not get enough votes.

Read more on New York Times

Julian Beck, the grand old mandarin of the Living Theater, is a cadaverous hoot as Dutch Schultz's gunsel.

Read more on Time Magazine Archive