\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}.
Note: Gales have a velocity of from about eighteen
      (``moderate'') to about eighty (``very heavy'') miles
      an our. --Sir. W. S. Harris.
2. A moderate current of air; a breeze.
         A little gale will soon disperse that cloud. --Shak.
         And winds of gentlest gale Arabian odors fanned From
         their soft wings.                     --Milton.
3. A state of excitement, passion, or hilarity.
         The ladies, laughing heartily, were fast getting
         into what, in New England, is sometimes called a
         gale.                                 --Brooke
                                               (Eastford).
{Topgallant gale} (Naut.), one in which a ship may carry her
   topgallant sails.

\Gale\, v. i. (Naut.)
To sale, or sail fast.

\Gale\, n. [OE. gal. See {Gale} wind.]
A song or story. [Obs.] --Toone.

\Gale\, v. i. [AS. galan. See 1st {Gale}.]
To sing. [Obs.] ``Can he cry and gale.'' --Court of Love.

\Gale\, n. [AS. gagel, akin to D. gagel.] (Bot.)
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.

\Gale\, n. [Cf. {Gabel}.]
The payment of a rent or annuity. [Eng.] --Mozley & W.
{Gale day}, the day on which rent or interest is due.