I. ˈgāl, esp before pause or consonant -āəl noun
( -s )
Etymology: origin unknown
1.
a. : a strong current of air ; specifically : a wind having a speed from 32 to 63 miles per hour — see fresh gale , moderate gale , strong gale , whole gale ; beaufort scale table
b. archaic : a mild wind or current of air : breeze
2.
a. : an emotional outburst (as of laughter)
a gale of merriment
gales of hysterical patriotism — W.L.Sperry
a gale of excited conjecture — Carol Bache
b. : a strong continuous outpouring suggesting a gale
earnestly shouted … into the teeth of the gale of prevailing public opinion — Wendell Johnson
gales of talk
Synonyms: see wind
II. noun
( -s )
Etymology: probably alteration of gavel (I)
1.
a. Britain : an amount paid periodically as rent
b. : the royalty paid in English law for the right to work a mine ; also : the right itself
2. : a grant of land in English law ; also : the land granted