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.