or gerund-grinder, subs. phr. (common).—A schoolmaster or tutor: spec. a pedantic pedagogue (GROSE). Also GERUND-GRINDING = the study of grammar.
1759–67. STERNE, Tristram Shandy, IV. 112. Tutors, governors, GERUND-GRINDERS, and bear-leaders.
1788. V. KNOX, Winter Evenings, 59. A pedant, a mere plodder, a petty tyrant, a GERUND-GRINDER.
1809. MALKIN, Gil Blas [ROUTLEDGE], 168. The VERB-GRINDER engendered in his noddle a most ingenious device, by which to keep this troublesome young lordling in awe, without trenching on his foolish father’s instructions.
1825–7. HONE, The Every-day Book, II. 33. GERUND-GRINDING and parsing are usually prepared for at the last moment.
