Definition of "goss"

To give myself a break from the energy sapping, demoralising patrolling of this uninviting habitat, and to get away from any more creepy visions, I decided to drive into Mount Isa, ostensibly to be within phone range so I could contact Bob Forsyth and find out any local goss from him.

2005, Sean Dooley, The Big Twitch, Sydney: Allen and Unwin, page 285

through / Toothed briars, sharp furzes, pricking goss, and thorns,

1610–1611 (date written), William Shakespeare, “The Tempest”, in Mr. William Shakespeares Comedies, Histories, & Tragedies […] (First Folio), London: […] Isaac Iaggard, and Ed[ward] Blount, published 1623, [Act IV, scene i], line 180

He now states, as one of the miseries of being tall, his frequent collision with the shop blinds projecting over the footway, which endanger his head—or what is of more consequence to him, his hat. Some malicious people, on seeing him in full chase up Regent-street after his goss. (a la Pickwick) compared his activity to a snail in full gallop, while others remarked on his affinity to a spider after a fly.

1838, Actors by Daylight, volume 1, page 143