from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Gad \Gad\, n. [OE. gad, Icel. gaddr goad, sting; akin to Sw.
gadd sting, Goth. gazds, G. gerte switch. See {Yard} a
measure.]
1. The point of a spear, or an arrowhead.
[1913 Webster]
2. A pointed or wedge-shaped instrument of metal, as a steel
wedge used in mining, etc.
[1913 Webster]
I will go get a leaf of brass,
And with a gad of steel will write these words.
--Shak.
[1913 Webster]
3. A sharp-pointed rod; a goad.
[1913 Webster]
4. A spike on a gauntlet; a gadling. --Fairholt.
[1913 Webster]
5. A wedge-shaped billet of iron or steel. [Obs.]
[1913 Webster]
Flemish steel . . . some in bars and some in gads.
--Moxon.
[1913 Webster]
6. A rod or stick, as a fishing rod, a measuring rod, or a
rod used to drive cattle with. [Prov. Eng. Local, U.S.]
--Halliwell. Bartlett.
[1913 Webster]
{Upon the gad}, upon the spur of the moment; hastily. [Obs.]
"All this done upon the gad!" --Shak.
[1913 Webster]