from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Gale \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}.
[1913 Webster]
Note: 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]