Gotham

Gotham gŏth´əm [key], name for New York City first used by WashingtonIrvingand others in theSalmagundi Papers,with satirical reference to Gotham, England, where the wise men acted as fools in order to avoid paying for the king's upkeep. The name was later used by Bob Kane inBatmancomic books, whoseGotham Citywas a veiled representation of New York City.

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