gib

¹

[ gib ]

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.

verb (used with object)

, gibbed, gib·bing.

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

gib

²

[ gib ]

noun

1. a cat, especially a male cat.
2. a castrated cat.

Gib.

³

abbreviation for

1. Gibraltar.

gib

¹

/ ɡɪb /

noun

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

verb

1. tr to fasten or supply with a gib

gib

²

/ ɡɪb /

noun

1. a male cat, esp a castrated one

Gib

³

/ dʒɪb /

noun

1. an informal name for Gibraltar

Word History and Origins

Origin of gib¹

First recorded in 1555–65; origin uncertain

Origin of gib²

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of gib¹

C18: of unknown origin

Origin of gib²

C14: probably a shortening and alteration of the proper name Gilbert

Example Sentences

At least two other Texas prisons, the Gib Lewis Unit and the John B. Connally Unit, have their own version of the dungeon.

From Slate

A 2023 complaint to the Texas Department of Criminal Justice made by the Texas Civil Rights Project and Texas Prison Reform requested an investigation into the practice at the Gib Lewis Unit.

From Slate

The complaint alleged prisoners at Gib Lewis were being held in containment cages without the ability to lie down fully or access bathrooms.

From Slate

But when she reached the determined outburst of “Gib mir den Kopf des Jochanaan!”

From New York Times

“This is another example that entanglements are happening in U.S. waters,” said Gib Brogan, campaign director with environmental group Oceana.

From Seattle Times