E. Cobham Brewer 1810–1897. Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 1898.
Gay Girl.
A woman of light or extravagant habits. Lady Anne Berkeley, dissatisfied with the conduct of her daughter-in-law (Lady Catherine Howard), exclaimed, “By the blessed sacrament, this gay girl will beggar my son Henry.” (See above.)
1
“What eyleth you? Some gay gurl, God it wot,
Hath brought you thus upon the very trot” (i.e., put you on your high horse, or into a passion).
