gissard

English

Etymology

Perhaps a corruption of geeseherd.

Pronunciation

• (Received Pronunciation) IPA^(key): /ˈɡɪsɜːd/

Noun

gissard (plural gissards)

1. (obsolete, rare) One who tends to geese; a gosherd.
   • 1584, R. Scot, chapter XXIV, in Disc. Witchcraft, Disc. diuels & spirits, page 528:

     The Thebans had not a better shepherd than S. Wendeline, nor a better gissard to keepe their geese than Gallus.

   • 1688, R. Holme, Armoury, volume iii, page 193/1:

     St. Gallus the Patron of Gissards, or Keepers of Geese.

Translations

one who tends to geese — see gosherd

References

• “†Gi·ssard” on page 181/1 of § 2 (G) of volume IV (F and G, ed. Henry Bradley, 1901) of A New English Dictionary on Historical Principles (1st ed.)