from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Gay \Gay\ (g[=a]), a. [Compar. {Gayer}; superl. {Gayest}.] [F.
gai, perhaps fr. OHG. g?hi swift, rapid, G. g[aum]h, j[aum]h,
steep, hasty; or cf. OHG. w?hi beatiful, good. Cf. {Jay}.]
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1. Excited with merriment; manifesting sportiveness or
delight; inspiring delight; livery; merry.
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Belinda smiled, and all the world was gay. --Pope.
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Gay hope is theirs by fancy fed. --Gray.
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2. Brilliant in colors; splendid; fine; richly dressed.
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Why is my neighbor's wife so gay? --Chaucer.
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A bevy of fair women, richly gay
In gems and wanton dress! --Milton.
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3. Loose; dissipated; lewd. [Colloq.]
Syn: Merry; gleeful; blithe; airy; lively; sprightly,
sportive; light-hearted; frolicsome; jolly; jovial;
joyous; joyful; glad; showy; splendid; vivacious.
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