1867, statue of the Gk. goddess of victory (identified by the Romans with their Victoria), lit. "victory," probably connected with neikos "quarrel, strife," neikein "to quarrel with." As a type of U.S. defensive surface-to-air missiles, attested from 1952.

–noun

1.

a game in which clubs with wooden or metal heads are used to hit a small, white ball into a number of holes, usually 9 or 18, in succession, situated at various distances over a course having natural or artificial obstacles, the object being to get the ball into each hole in as few strokes as possible.

2.	a word used in communications to represent the letter G.

–verb (used without object)

3.	to play golf.

–noun

1.	a long- or short-sleeved garment for the upper part of the body, usually lightweight and having a collar and a front opening.

2.	an undergarment of cotton, or other material, for the upper part of the body.

3.	a shirtwaist a4a .

4.	a nightshirt.

—Idioms

5.	in one's shirt sleeves, without a coat: It was so hot that they worked in their shirt sleeves. Also, in one's shirt-sleeves.

6.	keep one's shirt on, Informal. to refrain from becoming angry or impatient; remain calm: Tell him to keep his shirt on until we're ready.

7.	lose one's shirt, Informal. to lose all that one possesses; suffer a severe financial reverse: He lost his shirt in the stock market.