Gudgeon

Pronunciation

• IPA: /ˈɡʌdÊ’É™n/

From Middle English gojune, from Anglo-Norman goujon, from Late Latin, gobionem, accusative of gobio, from Latin gobius ("gudgeon")

Full definition of gudgeon

Noun

1. A small freshwater fish, Gobio gobio, that is native to Eurasia.
2. (Australia) Any of various similar small fish of the family , often used as bait.
3. An idiot; a person easily duped or cheated.
• 2004, Robert Jordan, New Spring: The Novel, “Don’t be a gudgeon,” she grumbled, tugging at the dress much more fiercely than was necessary. “If this works as you say it will, nobody will notice me.”

Synonyms

• (fish of the family Eleotridae) sleeper goby

From Middle English gudyon, ultimately from Late Latin gulbia ("chisel").

Noun

1. A type of bearing: a circular fitting, often made of metal, which is fixed onto some surface and allows for the pivoting of another fixture.
2. (nautical) Specifically, in a vessel with a stern-mounted rudder, the fitting into which the pintle of the rudder fits to allow the rudder to swing freely.

Derived terms

• gudgeon pin

Verb

1. To deprive fraudulently; to cheat; to dupe.
• Sir Walter ScottTo be gudgeoned of the opportunities which had been given you.