— gypsydom , n. — gypsyesque, gypsyish, gypsylike, gypseian , adj. — gypsyhood , n. — gypsyism , n.
/jip"see/ , n. , pl. Gypsies , adj.
n.
1. a member of a nomadic, Caucasoid people of generally swarthy complexion, who migrated originally from India, settling in various parts of Asia, Europe, and, most recently, North America.
2. Romany; the language of the Gypsies.
3. ( l.c. ) a person held to resemble a gypsy, esp. in physical characteristics or in a traditionally ascribed freedom or inclination to move from place to place.
4. ( l.c. ) Informal. See gypsy cab .
5. ( l.c. ) Informal. an independent, usually nonunion trucker, hauler, operator, etc.
6. ( l.c. ) Slang. a chorus dancer, esp. in the Broadway theater.
7. ( l.c. ) gyp 1 (def. 4).
adj.
8. of or pertaining to the Gypsies.
9. ( l.c. ) Informal. working independently or without a license: gypsy truckers.
Also, esp. Brit., Gipsy, gipsy .
[ 1505-15; back formation of gipcyan, aph. var. of EGYPTIAN, from a belief that Gypsies came originally from Egypt ]