Crossword Dictionary

What's The Definition Of Gale?

\Gale\ (g[=a]l), 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. gj[=o]la 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}. Note: 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.
\Gale\, v. i. (Naut.) To sale, or sail fast.
\Gale\, n. [OE. gal. See {Gale} wind.] A song or story. [Obs.] --Toone.
\Gale\, v. i. [AS. galan. See 1st {Gale}.] To sing. [Obs.] ``Can he cry and gale.'' --Court of Love.
\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.
\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.