Gale (?), n. [Prob. of Scand.. origin; cf. Dan. gal furious, Icel. galinn, cf. Icel. gala to sing, AS. galan to sing, Icel. galdr song, witchcraft, AS. galdor charm, sorcery, E. nightingale; also, Icel. gjla gust of wind, gola breeze. Cf. Yell.]
1.
A strong current of air; a wind between a stiff breeze and a hurricane. The most violent gales are called tempests.
⇒ Gales have a velocity of from about eighteen ("moderate") to about eighty ("very heavy") miles an our.
Sir. W. S. Harris.
2.
A moderate current of air; a breeze.
A little gale will soon disperse that cloud.
Shak.
And winds of gentlest gale Arabian odors fanned
From their soft wings.
Milton.
3.
A state of excitement, passion, or hilarity.
The ladies, laughing heartily, were fast getting into what, in New England, is sometimes called a gale.
Brooke (Eastford).
Topgallant gale Naut., one in which a ship may carry her topgallant sails.
© Webster 1913.
Gale (?), v. i. Naut.
To sale, or sail fast.
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Gale, n [OE. gal. See Gale wind.]
A song or story.
[Obs.]
Toone.
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Gale, v. i. [AS. galan. See 1st Gale.]
To sing.
[Obs.] "Can he cry and
gale."
Court of Love.
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Gale, n [AS. gagel, akin to D. gagel.] Bot.
A plant of the genus Myrica, growing in wet places, and strongly resembling the bayberry. The sweet gale (Myrica Gale) is found both in Europe and in America.
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Gale, n. [Cf. Gabel.]
The payment of a rent or annuity.
[Eng.]
Mozley & W.
Gale day, the day on which rent or interest is due.
© Webster 1913.