Emily Dickinson Lexicon

GAIR'ISH, a. [Qu. from the root of gear, Sax. gearwian, to prepare or dress; or Scot. gair, a stripe, whence gaired, gairie, striped, streaked. In Gr. γαυρος is proud, boasting.]

1. Gaudy; showy; fine; affectedly fine; tawdry. Monstrous hats and gairish colors. – Ascham.
2. Extravagantly gay; flighty. Fame and glory transport a man out of himself; it makes the mind loose and gairish. – South.