Definition of gouge

The word "gouge" has two distinct meanings, one in the realm of architecture and one related to violence. In architecture, a "gouge" refers to a sculpting or carving tool used for removing large amounts of material. The word comes from the Middle English word "gouchen," which in turn derives from the Old French word "goujeon," meaning "young carpenter's apprentice." The use of "gouge" in this sense is thought to have developed in the 14th century, during the Gothic architectural movement when intricate carvings and ornate designs became popular. These carvings were created using a variety of tools, with a "gouge" being one such device used by the skilled artisans of the time. In contrast, the more violent interpretation of "gouge" has a much darker origin. In the early Middle English period, the word "goughen" was used to describe the act of squeezing or digging one's fingers deeply into someone else's flesh, causing severe injury. This usage can be traced back to the Old English verb "gāgan," which translates to "dig" or "plow." The meaning of "gāgan" evolved over the centuries from a simple farming term to indicate a more sinister action, likely because of the claw-like appearance when someone gouges their fingernails into someone else's body. In summary, while the origins of these two meanings of "gouge" are distinct, they both share a common root, as they both relate to removing or digging out something - whether that be a material in architecture or an unfortunate victim in violent scenarios.