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give someone his gruel. In DICTIOUS you will not only get to know all the dictionary meanings for the word
give someone his gruel, but we will also tell you about its etymology, its characteristics and you will know how to say
give someone his gruel in singular and plural. Everything you need to know about the word
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English
Etymology
Perhaps a reference to administering poison.
Verb
give someone his gruel (third-person singular simple present gives someone his gruel, present participle giving someone his gruel, simple past gave someone his gruel, past participle given someone his gruel)
- (UK, slang, obsolete) To kill or trounce someone.
1837, The Gambler's Dream, page 247:"Cruel! Cruel! Cruel!" he cried. "Yes, you gave him his gruel hot enough," answered Charlotte.
1856, Thomas Ingoldsby, The Ingoldsby Legends: Or, Mirth & Marvels, page 87:I have 'barkers' by Nock, Sir,
With percussion locks, Sir,
Will give you your gruel —
hang me if I box, Sir
See also
References
- John Camden Hotten (1873) The Slang Dictionary