GNU Collaborative International Dictionary of English

last match results

Found 2 definitions

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