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(gl), 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. gjla 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 (), 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. スポンサード リンク
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