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.