gale 1
/gayl/ , n.
1. a very strong wind.
2. Meteorol. a wind of 32-63 mph (14-28 m/sec).
3. a noisy outburst: a gale of laughter filled the room.
4. Archaic. a gentle breeze.
[ 1540-50; perh. geil uproar, unrest, boiling ]
Syn. 3. burst, eruption, outbreak, fit, gust.
gale 2
/gayl/ , n.
See sweet gale .
[ bef. 1000; ME gail, OE gagel; c. G Gagel ]