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.