Hypertext Webster Gateway: "gypsies"
From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) (web1913)
Gypsy \Gyp"sy\, n.; pl. {Gypsies}. [OE. Gypcyan, F. gyptien
Egyptian, gypsy, L. Aegyptius. See {Egyptian}.] [Also spelled
gipsy and gypsey.]
1. One of a vagabond race, whose tribes, coming originally
from India, entered Europe in 14th or 15th centry, and are
now scattered over Turkey, Russia, Hungary, Spain,
England, etc., living by theft, fortune telling,
horsejockeying, tinkering, etc. Cf. {Bohemian}, {Romany}.
Like a right gypsy, hath, at fast and loose,
Beguiled me to the very heart of loss. --Shak.
2. The language used by the gypsies. --Shak.
3. A dark-complexioned person. --Shak.
4. A cunning or crafty person [Collog.] --Prior.
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