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.
And winds of gentlest gale Arabian odors fanned
From their soft wings.
A state of excitement, passion, or hilarity.
The ladies, laughing heartily, were fast getting into what, in New England, is sometimes called a gale.
Phrases & Compounds
Topgallant gale
one in which a ship may carry her topgallant sails.
Gale
v. i.
To sale, or sail fast. (Naut.)
Gale
n.
A song or story. [Obs.]
Gale
v. i.
To sing. [Obs.]
Gale
n.
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. (Bot.)