Gargle \Gar"gle\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Garggled}, p. pr. & vb. n. {Gargling} (?).] [F. gargouiller to dabble, paddle, gargle. Cf. {Gargoyle}, {Gurgle}.] 1. To wash or rinse, as the mouth or throat, particular the latter, agitating the liquid (water or a medicinal preparation) by an expulsion of air from the lungs.
2. To warble; to sing as if gargling [Obs.] --Waller.
Gargle \Gar"gle\, n. A liquid, as water or some medicated preparation, used to cleanse the mouth and throat, especially for a medical effect.
Gargoyle \Gar"goyle\, n. [OE. garguilie, gargouille, cf. Sp. g['a]rgola, prob. fr. the same source as F. gorge throat, influenced by L. gargarizare to gargle. See {Gorge} and cf. {Gargle}, {Gargarize}.] (Arch.) A spout projecting from the roof gutter of a building, often carved grotesquely. [Written also {gargle}, {gargyle}, and {gurgoyle}.]
They used to call him wimp, but as a beaten Democratic rival tells it, George Bush is so tough now that he can gargle with water from Boston Harbor.