Gay (?), a. [Compar. Gayer (?); superl. Gayest.] [F. gai, perhaps fr. OHG. ghi swift, rapid, G. gah, jah, steep, hasty; or cf. OHG. whi beatiful, good. Cf. Jay.]
1.
Excited with merriment; manifesting sportiveness or delight; inspiring delight; livery; merry.
Belinda smiled, and all the world was gay.
Pope.
Gay hope is theirs by fancy fed.
Gray.
2.
Brilliant in colors; splendid; fine; richly dressed.
Why is my neighbor's wife so gay?
Chaucer.
A bevy of fair women, richly gay
In gems and wanton dress
Milton.
3.
Loose; dissipated; lewd.
[Colloq.]
Syn. -- Merry; gleeful; blithe; airy; lively; sprightly, sportive; light-hearted; frolicsome; jolly; jovial; joyous; joyful; glad; showy; splendid; vivacious.
© Webster 1913.
Gay, n.
An ornament
[Obs.]
L'Estrange.
© Webster 1913.