gudgeon
gudgeon Lexical Profile
gudgeon Game Scores & Validity
• noun
A metal pivot, journal, or pin projecting from the end of a shaft, or the corresponding tubular socket that receives such a pivot (e.g., a piston pin in an engine).
"The mechanic had to replace the gudgeon pin because it had worn down, causing the piston to rattle in the cylinder."
A small, bottom-dwelling Eurasian freshwater fish (family Cyprinidae, typically Gobio gobio) that is commonly used as bait by anglers.
"The older fisherman waded into the stream, hoping to catch a few gudgeons to use as live bait."
A highly gullible person who is easily deceived, cheated, or taken advantage of.
"The con artists traveled from town to town, always looking for a wealthy gudgeon to invest in their fake railway company."
• verb
To cheat, trick, or make a dupe out of someone.
"The corrupt official successfully gudgeoned the investors out of thousands of dollars before fleeing the country."
• Rhymes for gudgeon
Word Origin & Etymology
From Middle English 'gojoun', borrowed from Anglo-French 'gojoun', which traces back to Latin 'gobio' or 'gobius', meaning a small fish (a goby).
Usage Trend
Historical frequency of usage in published text.