gale Meaning, Definition & Usage

Gale noun

Etymology

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.

Definitions

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).

Gale intransitive verb

Definitions

1. (Naut.) To sale, or sail fast.

Gale noun

Etymology

OE. gal. See Gale wind.

Definitions

1. A song or story. Obs. Toone.

Gale intransitive verb

Etymology

AS. galan. See 1st Gale.

Definitions

1. To sing. Obs. "Can he cry and gale." Court of Love.

Gale noun

Etymology

AS. gagel, akin to D. gagel.

Definitions

1. (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.

Gale noun

Etymology

Cf. Gabel.

Definitions

1. The payment of a rent or annuity. Eng. Mozley & W.