Etymology

• Germanic cognates: Old Frisian gōs, Middle Dutch gans (Dutch gans), Old High German gans (German Gans), Old Norse gás (Swedish gås).
• Other Indo-European cognates: Avestan , Greek χήν, Latin ānser, Russian гусь (gus'), Latvian zùoss, Old Irish géiss.

Noun

1. Any of various grazing waterfowl of the family Anatidae, bigger than a duck

   There is a flock of geese on the pond.

2. A stupid person
   • 1. A tailor's iron, heated in live coals or embers, used to press fabrics.
        • Scene 3:

          Come in, tailor. Here you may roast your goose.

     
     

     Usage notes

     • A male goose is called a gander. A young goose is a gosling.
     • A group of geese can be called a gaggle when they are on the ground or in the water, and a skein or a wedge when they are in flight.
     
     

     Verb

     
     
     
     1. To sharply poke or pinch someone's buttocks. Derived from a goose's inclination to bite at a retreating intruder's hindquarters.
     2. To gently accelerate an automobile or machine, or give repeated small taps on the accelerator.
     3. Of private-hire taxi drivers, to pick up a passenger who has not pre-booked a cab. This is unauthorised under UK licensing conditions.