billingsgate

name

1. A ward of the City of London, Greater London, England.

   “And vppon fridaye the morowe after brought it vpp to Billynges gate in London”

noun

Etymology: From the London, England fishmarket Billingsgate: "Billingsgate is the market where the fishwomen assemble to purchase fish; and where, in their dealings and disputes they are somewhat apt to leave decency and good manners a little on the left hand." (Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue, 1811).

1. Profane, abusive language; coarse words.

   “You wouldn't have believed the billingsgate which poured forth from that boy's mouth.”

   “These "flytings" consisted of alternate torrents of sheer Billingsgate poured upon each other by the combatants.”

verb

Etymology: From the London, England fishmarket Billingsgate: "Billingsgate is the market where the fishwomen assemble to purchase fish; and where, in their dealings and disputes they are somewhat apt to leave decency and good manners a little on the left hand." (Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue, 1811).

1. To use profane, abusive language towards.

   “On the other hand, the Englishman has the satisfaction of Billingsgating to his heart's content the highest officials: they accept objurgation with spaniel fawning.”