Noun

1. A very strong wind, more than a breeze, less than a storm; number 7 through 9 winds on the 12 step Beaufort scale.
2. An outburst, especially of laughter.

   a gale of laughter

3. A shrub, sweet gale (Myrica gale) growing on moors and fens.
4. A light breeze.
5. A periodic payment, such as is made of a rent or annuity.

   Gale day - the day on which rent or interest is due. Definition from 1913 Webster.