A strong current of air; a wind between a stiff breeze and a hurricane. The most violent gales are called tempests.
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.
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.
To sale, or sail fast.
A song or story. [Obs.] Toone.
To sing. [Obs.] "Can he cry and gale." Court of Love.
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.
The payment of a rent or annuity. [Eng.] Mozley & W. Gale day, the day on which rent or interest is due.
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