Billingsgate

name, noun, verb

Definitions

Proper Noun
  1. 1
    A ward of the City of London, Greater London, England.

    "And vppon fridaye the morowe after brought it vpp to Billynges gate in London"

Noun
  1. 1
    Profane, abusive language; coarse words.

    "You wouldn't have believed the billingsgate which poured forth from that boy's mouth."

  2. 2
    foul-mouthed or obscene abuse wordnet
Verb
  1. 1
    To use profane, abusive language towards. transitive

    "On the other hand, the Englishman has the satisfaction of Billingsgating to his heart's content the highest officials: they accept objurgation with spaniel fawning."

Etymology

Etymology 1

From the London, England fishmarket Billingsgate: "Billingsgate is the market where the fishwomen assemble to purchase fish; and where, in their dealings and disputes they are somewhat apt to leave decency and good manners a little on the left hand." (Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue, 1811).

Etymology 2

From the London, England fishmarket Billingsgate: "Billingsgate is the market where the fishwomen assemble to purchase fish; and where, in their dealings and disputes they are somewhat apt to leave decency and good manners a little on the left hand." (Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue, 1811).

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