Gale

Gale (gāl), 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. gjōla 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.

Gale (gāl), 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.