Gog

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. Gog is a giant or monstrous figure from biblical prophecy and medieval legend, often named alongside Magog
2. Name of a fearsome giant or prince from scripture and folklore, usually mentioned together with Magog
3. A legendary giant of biblical and medieval tradition, traditionally paired with Magog as a symbol of enemy nations

Etymology: The noun "gog" is most likely a shortened form of "agog," meaning eager or excitedly expectant. Its earliest recorded form was the phrase "on gog," which suggests the clipping happened within a set expression before the bare form stood alone. It is attested from the 16th to the 18th centuries. Similar forms appear in other languages. French has "gogue," meaning sprightliness or high spirits, and Welsh has "gogi," meaning to agitate or shake. These are cited as comparisons, not as proven relatives, and the link to "agog" remains the most probable explanation for the English word.