n. & v.
--n. (pl. geese)
1. a any of various large water-birds of the family Anatidae, with short legs, webbed feet, and a broad bill. b the female of this (opp. GANDER). c the flesh of a goose as food.
2 colloq. a simpleton.
3 (pl. gooses) a tailor's smoothing-iron, having a handle like a goose's neck.
--v.tr. sl. poke (a person) in the bottom.
Phrases and idioms:
goose bumps US goose-flesh. goose-egg US a zero score in a game. goose-flesh (or -pimples or -skin) a bristling state of the skin produced by cold or fright. goose-step a military marching step in which the knees are kept stiff.
Etymology: OE gos f. Gmc