gunsel

American  

[guhn-suhl] / ˈgʌn səl /

noun

Slang.

1. a criminal armed with a gun.

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

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gunsel British  

/ ˈɡʌnsəl /

noun

1. a catamite

2. a stupid or inexperienced person, esp a youth

3. a criminal who carries a gun

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Etymology

Origin of gunsel

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. )

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.

From 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.

From Seattle Times

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.

From New York Times

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

From Time Magazine Archive

A 14-minute comic synopsis of low-class urban life that is vaguely reminiscent of Fellini's work, Murray is the picaresque tale of a vulpine conman who rises from petty-ante rumrunner to gunsel for "the Mob."

From Time Magazine Archive