Brewer's: Gorgon

Anything unusually hideous. There were three Gorgons, with serpents on their heads instead of hair; Medusa was the chief of the three, and the only one that was mortal; but so hideous was her face that whoever set eyes on it was instantly turned into stone. She was slain by Perseus, and her head placed on the shield of Minerva.

Lest Gorgon rising from the infernal lakes With horrors armed, and curls of hissing snakes, Should fix me, stiffened at the monstrous sight, A stony image in eternal night.

Odyssey, xi.

What was that snaky-headed Gorgon shield That wise Minerva wore unconquered virgin, Where with she freezed her foes to congealed stone? But rigid looks of chaste austerity, And noble grace, that dashed brute violence With sudden adoration and blank awe.

Milton: Comus, 458-463.

Gorham Controversy This arose out of the refusal of the bishop of Exeter to institute the Rev. Cornelius Gorham to the vicarage of Brampford Speke, “because he held unsound views on the doctrine of baptism.” Mr. Gorham maintained that “spiritual regeneration is not conferred on children by baptism.” After two years' controversy, the Privy Council decided in favour of Mr. Gorham. (1851).

Source: Dictionary of Phrase and Fable, E. Cobham Brewer, 1894

Gorlois

Gorgibus