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Entry 8 senses · 6 variants Webster, 1913

Gale

/(gāl)/ · IPA /ɡeɪl/
01 n. A strong current of air; a wind between a stiff breeze and a hurricane. The most violent gales are called tempests.
  1. 1.
    A strong current of air; a wind between a stiff breeze and a hurricane. The most violent gales are called tempests.
  2. 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. 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).
Phrases & compounds
Topgallant gale — one in which a ship may carry her topgallant sails.
02 v. i. To sale, or sail fast.
  1. 1.
    To sale, or sail fast.(Naut.)
03 n. A song or story.
  1. 1.
    A song or story.[Obs.]
04 v. i. To sing.
  1. 1.
    To sing.[Obs.]
05 n. A plant of the genus Myrica, growing in wet places, and strongly resembling the bayberry. The sweet gale (Myrica Gale) is found both in Eur…
  1. 1.
    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.(Bot.)
06 n. The payment of a rent or annuity.
  1. 1.
    The payment of a rent or annuity.[Eng.]
Phrases & compounds
Gale day — the day on which rent or interest is due.