goose(go̅o̅s),USA pronunciationn., pl.geese for 1, 2, 4, 8, 9; goos•es for 5–7; v.,goosed, goos•ing. n.
Birdsany of numerous wild or domesticated, web-footed swimming birds of the family Anatidae, esp. of the genera Anser and Branta, most of which are larger and have a longer neck and legs than the ducks.
Birdsthe female of this bird, as distinguished from the male, or gander.
the flesh of a goose, used as food.
a silly or foolish person; simpleton.
Slang Termsa poke between the buttocks to startle.
Informal Termsanything that energizes, strengthens, or the like:to give the economy a badly needed goose.
a tailor's smoothing iron with a curved handle.
Gamesan obsolete board game played with dice and counters in which a player whose cast falls in a square containing the picture of a goose is allowed to advance double the number of his or her throw.
Informal Terms, Idiomscook someone's goose, to ruin someone's hopes, plans, chances, etc.:His goose was cooked when they found the stolen gems in his pocket.
v.t.
Slang Termsto poke (a person) between the buttocks to startle.
Informal Terms
to prod or urge to action or an emotional reaction:The promise of time off may goose the workers and increase profits.
to strengthen or improve (often fol. by up):Let's goose up the stew with some wine.
to increase; raise (often fol. by up):to goose up government loans in weak industries.
to give a spurt of fuel to (a motor) to increase speed.
bef. 1000; Middle English gose, goos, Old English gōs (plural gēs); cognate with German Gans, Old Norse gās; compare Sanskrit haṅsa, Greek ché̄n, Latin ānser
any of various web-footed long-necked birds of the family Anatidae: order Anseriformes. They are typically larger and less aquatic than ducks and are gregarious and migratory See alsobrent goose, barnacle goose, greylag, snow goose
the female of such a bird, as opposed to the male (gander)
a silly person
(gooses
)a pressing iron with a long curving handle, used esp by tailors
the flesh of the goose, used as food
cook someone's goose ⇒ to spoil someone's plans
to bring about someone's ruin, downfall, etc
kill the goose that lays the golden eggs ⇒ to sacrifice future benefits for the sake of momentary present needs See alsogolden goose
Etymology: Old English gōs; related to Old Norse gās, Old High German gans, Old Irish gēiss swan, Greek khēn, Sanskrit hainsas
goose/ɡuːs/
(transitive)to prod (a person) playfully in the behind
(gooses)
a playful prod in the behind
Etymology: 19th Century: from goose1, probably from a comparison with the jabbing of a goose's bill
Forum discussions with the word(s) "tree goose" in the title: