subs. (vulgar).—A contraction of gentleman.
1550. Docteur Double-Ale (the word occurs in this play).
c. 1551. L. SHEPHERD, John Bon and Mast Person, in Arber’s Garner, iv., 107. Ye be the jolliest GEMMAN that I ever saw in my life.
1767. COLMAN, The Oxonian in Town, I., i. I am glad to see your honour’s well. I hope you left all the GEMMIN well at Oxford.
1818. BYRON, Beppo, st. 86. At home our Bow-street GEMMEN keep the laws.
1834. W. H. AINSWORTH, Rookwood, bk. iii., ch. v. … but knock down a GEMMAN.
1851. BORROW, Lavengro, ch. 26. Here the gipsy GEMMAN see.
