gage

¹

[ geyj ]

noun

1. something, as a glove, thrown down by a medieval knight in token of challenge to combat.
2. Archaic. a challenge.
3. Archaic. a pledge or pawn; security.

verb (used with object)

, gaged, gag·ing.

1. Archaic. to pledge, stake, or wager.

gage

²

[ geyj ]

noun

, gaged, gag·ing.

1. (chiefly in technical use) gauge.

gage

³

[ geyj ]

noun

1. greengage.

Gage

⁴

[ geyj ]

noun

1. Thomas, 1721–87, British general in America 1763–76.

gage

¹

/ ɡeɪdʒ /

noun

1. a variant spelling (esp in technical senses) of gauge

Gage

²

/ ɡeɪdʒ /

noun

1. GageThomas17211787MBritishMILITARY: generalPOLITICS: colonial administrator Thomas. 1721–87, British general and governor in America; commander in chief of British forces at Bunker Hill (1775)

gage

³

/ ɡeɪdʒ /

noun

1. old-fashioned.
   marijuana

gage

⁴

/ ɡeɪdʒ /

noun

1. something deposited as security against the fulfilment of an obligation; pledge
2. (formerly) a glove or other object thrown down to indicate a challenge to combat

verb

1. archaic.
   tr to stake, pledge, or wager

gage

⁵

/ ɡeɪdʒ /

noun

1. short for greengage

Other Words From

• gager noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of gage¹

First recorded in 1450–1500; late Middle English, from Old French g(u)age, from Germanic; compare Gothic wadi “a pledge”; wage

Origin of gage²

First recorded in 1840–50; by shortening

Word History and Origins

Origin of gage¹

C20: of uncertain origin; compare ganja

Origin of gage²

C14: from Old French gage, of Germanic origin; compare Gothic wadi pledge

Example Sentences

Geological Survey gage to make it easier for the rainbows to move.

From Los Angeles Times

The river gage shows the river may reach 192.58 feet The Chehalis Basin Flood Authority has flood inundation maps & river gages for the region on its website.

From Seattle Times

The following day a senior police official questioned why the woman was alone, had not checked her gas gage before traveling or chosen a busier road.

From Seattle Times

Both sites already have gages to monitor the flow and height of the water.

From Washington Times

As Surrey, he trilled his tongue daringly as he threw down a gage; as a gossiping gardener, he exclaimed a comical “Whaaaaaaaat? Think you the King shall be deposed?”

From New York Times

Related Words

• agreement
• assurance
• certificate
• collateral
• contract
• deposit
• insurance
• security
• warranty