I. ˈgȯl noun
Etymology: Middle English, from Old English gealla; akin to Greek cholē, cholos gall, wrath, Old English geolu yellow — more at yellow
Date: before 12th century
1.
a. : bile ; especially : bile obtained from an animal and used in the arts or medicine
b. : something bitter to endure
c. : bitterness of spirit : rancor
2. : brazen boldness coupled with impudent assurance and insolence
Synonyms: see temerity
II. noun
Etymology: Middle English galle, from Old English gealla, from Latin galla gallnut
Date: before 12th century
1.
a. : a skin sore caused by chronic irritation
b. : a cause or state of exasperation
2. archaic : flaw
III. verb
Date: 14th century
transitive verb
1. : to fret and wear away by friction : chafe
the loose saddle gall ed the horse's back
the gall ing of a metal bearing
2. : irritate , vex
sarcasm gall s her
intransitive verb
1. : to become sore or worn by rubbing
2. : seize 2
IV. noun
Etymology: Middle English galle, from Anglo-French, from Latin galla
Date: 14th century
: an abnormal outgrowth of plant tissue usually due to insect or mite parasites or fungi and sometimes forming an important source of tannin — see gall wasp illustration