■ noun ( plural gooseberries )
1》 a round edible yellowish-green or reddish berry with a thin translucent hairy skin.
2》 the thorny European shrub which bears gooseberries. [ Ribes grossularia .]
3》 Brit. informal a third person in the company of two people, especially lovers, who would prefer to be alone.
Origin
C16: the first element perh. from goose , or perh. based on OFr. groseille .