gale

views updated Jun 11 2018

gale / gāl/ • n. a very strong wind: it was almost blowing a gale| [as adj.] gale-force winds. ∎  Meteorol. a wind of force 7 to 10 on the Beaufort scale (28-55 knots or 32-63 mph). ∎  a storm at sea. ∎  (a gale of/gales of) fig. a burst of sound, esp. of laughter: she collapsed into gales of laughter.

Gale

views updated Jun 27 2018

Gale

a wind of considerable strength, 1527; a state of current or passing emotions; the perfume or aroma of similar intangible things.

Examples: gale of animal spirits, 1663; of doubts and apprehensions, 1800; of fancy, 1675; of fragrance, 1820; of laughter; of merriment, 1894; of opportunity, 1669; of perfume, 1711; of praise, 1827; of wind, 1547.

gale

views updated May 14 2018

gale1 bog myrtle. OE. gagel(le) = MDu. gaghel, Du., G. gagel.

gale

views updated May 14 2018

gale A wind blowing at more than 30 knots (17 m/s).

gale

views updated May 08 2018

gale Wind blowing at more than 30 knots (17 m/s).

gale

views updated May 23 2018

gale2 strong wind. XVI. of unkn. orig.