gall

I. noun Etymology: Middle English, from Old English gealla; akin to Greek cholē, cholos gall, wrath, Old English geolu yellow — more at yellow Date: before 12th century 1. a. bile; especially bile obtained from an animal and used in the arts or medicine b. something bitter to endure c. bitterness of spirit ; rancor 2. brazen boldness coupled with impudent assurance and insolence Synonyms: see temerity II. noun Etymology: Middle English galle, from Old English gealla, from Latin galla gallnut Date: before 12th century 1. a. a skin sore caused by chronic irritation b. a cause or state of exasperation 2. archaic flaw III. verb Date: 14th century 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

> 2. irritate, vex <

sarcasm galls her

> intransitive verb 1. to become sore or worn by rubbing 2. seize 2 IV. noun Etymology: Middle English galle, from Anglo-French, from Latin galla Date: 14th century 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