Crossword Dictionary

What's The Definition Of Gib?

\Gib\, n. [Abbreviated fr. Gilbert, the name of the cat in the old story of ``Reynard the Fox''. in the ``Romaunt of the Rose'', etc.] A male cat; a tomcat. [Obs.]
\Gib\, v. i. To act like a cat. [Obs.] --Beau. & Fl.
\Gib\, n. [Etymol. uncertain.] A piece or slip of metal or wood, notched or otherwise, in a machine or structure, to hold other parts in place or bind them together, or to afford a bearing surface; -- usually held or adjusted by means of a wedge, key, or screw. {Gib and key}, or {Gib and cotter} (Steam Engine), the fixed wedge or gib, and the driving wedge,key, or cotter, used for tightening the strap which holds the brasses at the end of a connecting rod.
\Gib\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Gibbed}; p. pr. & vb. n. {Gibbing}.] To secure or fasten with a gib, or gibs; to provide with a gib, or gibs. {Gibbed lathe}, an engine lathe in which the tool carriage is held down to the bed by a gib instead of by a weight.
\Gib\, v. i. To balk. See {Jib}, v. i. --Youatt.