Meanings
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1
noun
a distinctively colored patch of feathers or fur on an animal's throat or upper chest
The hummingbird's iridescent gorget flashed red when it faced the sun.
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2
noun
historical: a piece of armor protecting the throat and upper chest
The steel gorget covered the gap between the helmet and breastplate.
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3
noun
a crescent-shaped metal badge formerly worn at the throat by military officers
The officer's polished gorget indicated his rank and duty.
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4
noun
historical: a garment covering a woman's neck and breast, especially a wimple
Her linen gorget was pinned neatly beneath the chin.
Thesaurus
Etymology
From Middle English gorget, from Old French gorgete, a diminutive of gorge ("throat"). The word first named things worn over or protecting the throat; naturalists later applied it to conspicuous throat patches on birds and other animals.