garibaldi

Everyday

1. (UK) A flat rectangular biscuit with a layer of squashed currants inside, sometimes called a «squashed fly biscuit». tree →
2. (a name) Giuseppe Garibaldi (1807–1882), an Italian general who fought to unite Italy; he was a hero in Victorian Britain. tree →
3. A red blouse like the red shirts worn by his soldiers (old fashion). tree →

In the lessons

In The Wind in the Willows, the Rat looks at Mole's little home with its plaster statues of «Garibaldi, and the infant Samuel, and Queen Victoria» – popular ornaments in Victorian and Edwardian homes. In history lessons, Garibaldi and his «Redshirts» helped make Italy one country. The biscuit was named after him.

Examples

• Can I have a garibaldi with my tea? tree →
• Children call garibaldis «squashed fly biscuits». tree →
• Mole's home had a statue of Garibaldi. tree →
• Garibaldi led his Redshirts to unite Italy. tree →
• The garibaldi biscuit is full of currants. tree →
• Many British streets and pubs are named after Garibaldi. tree →

Note

The biscuit is usually written lower case; the man's name has a capital G. Garibaldi is a real person – nothing invented about him here.