E. Cobham Brewer 1810–1897. Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 1898.
Gig-manity.
Respectability. A word invented by Carlyle. A witness in the trial of John Thurtell said, “I always thought him [Thurtell] a respectable man.” And being asked by the judge what he meant, replied, “He [Thurtell] kept a gig.”
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“A princess of the blood, yet whose father had sold his inexpressibles … in a word, Gigmanity disgigged. — Carlyle: The Diamond Necklace, chap. v.
