give someone their gruel en · VERB
Etymology
Perhaps a reference to administering poison.
Meanings
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(UK, obsolete, slang) To kill or trounce someone.
"Cruel! Cruel! Cruel!" he cried. "Yes, you gave him his gruel hot enough," answered Charlotte.
1837, The Gambler's Dream, page 247:I have 'barkers' by Nock, Sir, With percussion locks, Sir, Will give you your gruel — hang me if I box, Sir
1856, Thomas Ingoldsby, The Ingoldsby Legends: Or, Mirth & Marvels, page 87:
Forms
| Spelling | Features | Labels | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| gives someone their gruel | Number=Sing, Person=3, Tense=Pres | lexicographic | |
| gave someone their gruel | Tense=Past | lexicographic | |
| giving someone their gruel | Tense=Pres, VerbForm=Part | lexicographic | |
| given someone their gruel | Tense=Past, VerbForm=Part | lexicographic |