Definitions for: Gale

[n] a strong wind moving 45-90 knots; force 7 to 10 on Beaufort scale

Webster (1913) Definition: Gale (g[=a]l), 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. gj[=o]la 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.

Note: 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.

See Also: fresh gale, moderate gale, near gale, strong gale, whole gale, wind

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