gaster, tĕris, and tri, f., = γαστήρ, the belly (pure Lat. venter).
I Lit.: inflatio secundum gastera, Cael. Aur. Tard. 3, 8.—
II Transf., a big-bellied vessel , Petr. 70; 79; Marc. Emp. 8 med.
·vt To <<Gast>>. ...
Webster's Dictionary of the English Language
to startle, scare, or affright suddenly. Ess. ...
A glossary of provincial and local words used in England by Francis Grose