Definition of "gownman" []

• Archaic form of gownsman. (noun)

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• "In this high post he showed a spirit as elevated; but it was rather a military spirit than that of the gownman, -- magnificent to excess in his living and appearance, and distinguishing himself in the tournaments and other martial sports of that age with much ostentation of courage and expense."
• "A mere soldier little values the character of eloquence: A gownman of courage: A bishop of humour: Or a merchant of learning."
• "For their speculations on this subject are wholly poetical; they have only their fancy for their guide; and that, being sharper in an excellent poet, than it is likely it should in a phlegmatic, heavy gownman, will see farther in its own empire, and produce more satisfactory notions on those dark and doubtful problems."