GNU Collaborative International Dictionary of English

last match results

Found 6 definitions

1.       
   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.
   
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   ☞ Gales have a velocity of from about eighteen (“moderate”) to about eighty (“very heavy”) miles an our.  Sir. W. S. Harris.
   
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   2. A moderate current of air; a breeze.
   
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   A little gale will soon disperse that cloud. Shak.
   
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   And winds of gentlest gale Arabian odors fanned
   
   From their soft wings. Milton.
   
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   3. A state of excitement, passion, or hilarity.
   
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   The ladies, laughing heartily, were fast getting into what, in New England, is sometimes called a gale. Brooke (Eastford).
   
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   Topgallant gale (Naut.), one in which a ship may carry her topgallant sails.
   
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2.       
   Gale (?), v. i. (Naut.) To sale, or sail fast.
   
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3.       
   Gale, n. [OE. gal. See Gale wind.] A song or story. [Obs.]  Toone.
   
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4.       
   Gale, v. i. [AS. galan. See 1st Gale.] To sing. [Obs.] “Can he cry and gale.”  Court of Love.
   
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5.       
   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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6.       
   Gale, n. [Cf. Gabel.] The payment of a rent or annuity. [Eng.]  Mozley & W.
   
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   Gale day, the day on which rent or interest is due.
   
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