gang

gang

gang¹ [gaŋ]

n.

[ME, a band or company, orig., a going, journey < OE < base of gangan: see GANG²]

1. a group of people associated together in some way; specif.,

a) a group of workers directed by a foreman

b) an organized group of criminals

c) a squad of convicts at work

d) a group of youths from one neighborhood banded together for social reasons; often specif., a band of juvenile delinquents

2. a set of like tools, machines, components, etc., designed or arranged to work together: often used attributively [gang drills]

3. a very large number of persons or things

vi.

☆ to form, or be associated in, a gang (with up)

vt.

☆ 1. Informal to attack as a gang

☆ 2. to arrange in a gang, or coordinated set

——————

☆ gang up on

Informal to attack or oppose as a group

gang² [gaŋ]

vi.

[ME gangen < OE gangan, akin to ON ganga, Goth gaggan, to go < IE base * ĝhengh- > Sans jáṁhas-, a step]

Scot. to go or work