GNU Collaborative International Dictionary of English

last match results

Found 2 definitions

1.       
   Gad (?), n. [OE. gad, Icel. gaddr goad, sting; akin to Sw. gadd sting, Goth. gazds, G. gerte switch. See Yard a measure.]
   1. The point of a spear, or an arrowhead.
   
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   2. A pointed or wedge-shaped instrument of metal, as a steel wedge used in mining, etc.
   
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   I will go get a leaf of brass,
   
   And with a gad of steel will write these words. Shak.
   
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   3. A sharp-pointed rod; a goad.
   
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   4. A spike on a gauntlet; a gadling.  Fairholt.
   
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   5. A wedge-shaped billet of iron or steel. [Obs.]
   
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   Flemish steel . . . some in bars and some in gads. Moxon.
   
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   6. A rod or stick, as a fishing rod, a measuring rod, or a rod used to drive cattle with. [Prov. Eng. Local, U.S.]  Halliwell. Bartlett.
   
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   Upon the gad, upon the spur of the moment; hastily. [Obs.] “All this done upon the gad!”  Shak.
   
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2.       
   Gad, v. i. [imp. & p. p. Gadded; p. pr. & vb. n. Gadding.] [Prob. fr. gad, n., and orig. meaning to drive about.] To walk about; to rove or go about, without purpose; hence, to run wild; to be uncontrolled. “The gadding vine.”  Milton.
   
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   Why gaddest thou about so much to change thy way? Jer. ii. 36.
   
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