gale
GAYL
A wind between 34 and 47 knots on the Beaufort scale — strong enough to break branches, tear shingles, and make walking difficult. Above a gale is a storm. Below it is just a very bad day. The word carries the sound of what it describes.
Etymology
Origin uncertain. Possibly from Old Norse galinn (mad, furious) or Danish gal (bad, furious). In use since the mid-16th century. Some etymologists connect it to Norwegian galen (crazy).
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