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. gjōla 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. [ 1913 Webster ] ☞ Gales have a velocity of from about eighteen (“moderate”) to about eighty (“very heavy”) miles an our. Sir. W. S. Harris. [ 1913 Webster ] 2. A moderate current of air; a breeze. [ 1913 Webster ] A little gale will soon disperse that cloud. Shak. [ 1913 Webster ] And winds of gentlest gale Arabian odors fanned
From their soft wings. Milton. [ 1913 Webster ] 3. A state of excitement, passion, or hilarity. [ 1913 Webster ] The ladies, laughing heartily, were fast getting into what, in New England, is sometimes called a gale. Brooke (Eastford). [ 1913 Webster ]
Topgallant gale (Naut.), one in which a ship may carry her topgallant sails. [ 1913 Webster ]
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