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billingsgate. In DICTIOUS you will not only get to know all the dictionary meanings for the word
billingsgate, but we will also tell you about its etymology, its characteristics and you will know how to say
billingsgate in singular and plural. Everything you need to know about the word
billingsgate you have here. The definition of the word
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English
Etymology
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).
Noun
billingsgate
- Profane, abusive language; coarse words.
You wouldn't have believed the billingsgate which poured forth from that boy's mouth.
1898, George Saintsbury, A Short History of English Literature:These "flytings" consisted of alternate torrents of sheer Billingsgate poured upon each other by the combatants.
Verb
billingsgate (third-person singular simple present billingsgates, present participle billingsgating, simple past and past participle billingsgated)
- (transitive) To use abusive language towards.
1905, Blackwood's Edinburgh Magazine, volume 177, page 99: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.