gammer

[ gam-er ]

noun

, British Archaic.

1. an old woman.

gammer

/ ˈɡæmə /

noun

1. rare.
   a dialect word for an old woman: now chiefly humorous or contemptuous Compare gaffer

Word History and Origins

Origin of gammer¹

1565–75; contraction of godmother; gaffer

Word History and Origins

Origin of gammer¹

C16: probably alteration of godmother or grandmother

Example Sentences

“But I’m worried. I’ve been thinking of Gammer, my wife, and all the children, and their children and their children’s children. They can’t be getting on too well without me.”

From Literature

His "Poem Beginning with a Line from Gammer Gurton's Needle" is one of the oldest extant English comic plays.

From The Guardian

A few years later came “Gammer Gurton’s Needle.”

From Project Gutenberg

Straying from ye others, to a remote corner of the meadow, or ever I was aware, I came close upon Gammer Gurney, holding somewhat with much care.

From Project Gutenberg

"How hast fared, of late, Gammer?" quoth I. "Why, well enow for such as I," she made answer; "since I lost ye use o' my right hand, I can nowther spin, nor nurse sick folk, but I pulls rushes, and that brings me a few pence, and I be a good herbalist; and, because I says one or two English prayers and hates ye priests, some folks thinks me a witch."

From Project Gutenberg