Gale n.
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.
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.