[syn: gallivant, gad, jazz around]
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:
Gad \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.
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Why gaddest thou about so much to change thy way?
--Jer. ii. 36.
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The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:
Gad \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.
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2. A pointed or wedge-shaped instrument of metal, as a steel
wedge used in mining, etc.
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I will go get a leaf of brass,
And with a gad of steel will write these words.
--Shak.
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3. A sharp-pointed rod; a goad.
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4. A spike on a gauntlet; a gadling. --Fairholt.
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5. A wedge-shaped billet of iron or steel. [Obs.]
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Flemish steel . . . some in bars and some in gads.
--Moxon.
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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.
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Upon the gad, upon the spur of the moment; hastily. [Obs.]
"All this done upon the gad!" --Shak.
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WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006):
GAD
n 1: an anxiety disorder characterized by chronic free-floating
anxiety and such symptoms as tension or sweating or
trembling or lightheadedness or irritability etc that has
lasted for more than six months [syn: generalized anxiety
disorder, GAD, anxiety reaction]
2: a sharp prod fixed to a rider's heel and used to urge a horse
onward; "cowboys know not to squat with their spurs on" [syn:
spur, gad]
v 1: wander aimlessly in search of pleasure [syn: gallivant,
gad, jazz around]