BRIX
(b) A hydrometer calibrated according to the Brix scale, for the measurement of the specific gravity of a sugar solution. The eponym of A.F.W. Brix (1789-1890), the German scientist who invented it. 1910: “In basing conclusions upon results by apparent Brix, the relationship of apparent to actual solids must always be borne in mind.”
SELEUCID
(b) One of the Seleucids. Members of the dynasty founded by Seleucus Nicator (one of the generals of Alexander the Great), which reigned over Syria from 312 to 65BC, and subjected a great part of Western Asia. The eponym. 1904: “Smyrna was struggling to maintain its freedom against the Seleucid power.”
GYVER
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(c) Affectation of speech or behaviour, especially in the phrase to put on the gyver. Oz slang. Of unknown origin. 1970: “I wouldn’t want you to get stuck-up and start putting on the gyver and forgetting your own.”
SEXTRESS
(a) A female sexton. A sextoness. 1476: “The money remained to the profit of the sextress.”