Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Gale \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.