E. Cobham Brewer 1810–1897. Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 1898.
Gubbings.
Anabaptists near Brent, in Devonshire. They had no ecclesiastical order or authority, “but lived in holes, like swine; had all things in common; and multiplied without marriage. Their language was vulgar Devonian… They lived by pilfering sheep; were fleet as horses; held together like bees; and revenged every wrong. One of the society was always elected chief, and called King of the Gubbings.” (Fuller.)
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N.B. Their name is from gubbings, the offal of fish (Devonshire).
