Gad (?), n. [OE. gad, Icel. gaddr goad, sting; akin to Sw. gadd sting, Goth. gazds, G. gerte switch. See Yard a measure.]

1.

The point of a spear, or an arrowhead.

2.

A pointed or wedge-shaped instrument of metal, as a steel wedge used in mining, etc.

I will go get a leaf of brass, And with a gad of steel will write these words. Shak.

3.

A sharp-pointed rod; a goad.

4.

A spike on a gauntlet; a gadling.

Fairholt.

5.

A wedge-shaped billet of iron or steel.

[Obs.]

Flemish steel . . . some in bars and some in gads. Moxon.

6.

A rod or stick, as a fishing rod, a measuring rod, or a rod used to drive cattle with.

[Prov. Eng. Local, U.S.]

Halliwell. Bartlett.

Upon the gad, upon the spur of the moment; hastily. [Obs.] "All this done upon the gad!"

Shak.

 

© Webster 1913.


Gad, v. i. [imp. & p. p. Gadded; p. pr. & vb. n. Gadding.] [Prob. fr. gad, n., and orig. meaning to drive about.]

To walk about; to rove or go about, without purpose; hence, to run wild; to be uncontrolled.

"The gadding vine."

Milton.

Why gaddest thou about so much to change thy way? Jer. ii. 36.

 

© Webster 1913.

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