First Known Use: before 12th century
Dictionary
1gall
noun \ˈgȯl\
Definition of GALL
1
2
: brazen boldness coupled with impudent assurance and insolence
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Origin of GALL
Middle English, from Old English gealla; akin to Greek cholē, cholos gall, wrath, Old English geolu yellow — more at yellow
Synonym Discussion of GALL
temerity, audacity, hardihood, effrontery, nerve, cheek, gall, chutzpah mean conspicuous or flagrant boldness. temerity suggests boldness arising from rashness and contempt of danger <had the temerity to refuse>. audacity implies a disregard of restraints commonly imposed by convention or prudence <an entrepreneur with audacity and vision>. hardihood suggests firmness in daring and defiance <admired for her hardihood>. effrontery implies shameless, insolent disregard of propriety or courtesy <outraged at his effrontery>. nerve, cheek, gall, and chutzpah are informal equivalents for effrontery <the nerve of that guy> <has the cheek to call herself a singer> <had the gall to demand proof> <the chutzpah needed for a career in show business>.
2gall
noun
Definition of GALL
1
a : a skin sore caused by chronic irritation b : a cause or state of exasperation
2
archaic : flaw
Origin of GALL
Middle English galle, from Old English gealla, from Latin galla gallnut
First Known Use: before 12th century
3gall
verb
: to make (someone) feel annoyed or angry
Full Definition of GALL
transitive verb
1
: to fret and wear away by friction : chafe <the loose saddle galled the horse's back> <the galling of a metal bearing>
intransitive verb
1
: to become sore or worn by rubbing
2
: seize 2
See gall defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of GALL
14th century
4gall
noun
Definition of GALL
: an abnormal outgrowth of plant tissue usually due to insect or mite parasites or fungi and sometimes forming an important source of tannin — see gall wasp illustration
Origin of GALL
Middle English galle, from Anglo-French, from Latin galla
First Known Use: 14th century
GALLS Defined for Kids
1gall
noun \ˈgȯl\
Definition of GALL for Kids
1
: extreme boldness or rudeness <She had the gall to return my gift.>
2
: bile especially when obtained from an animal for use in the arts or medicine
2gall
noun
Definition of GALL for Kids
: a sore spot (as on a horse's back) caused by rubbing
3gall
verb
galledgall·ing
Definition of GALL for Kids
1
: to make sore by rubbing
2
: to annoy or make angry <His selfishness just galls me.>
4gall
noun
Definition of GALL for Kids
: an abnormal swelling or growth on a twig or leaf
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