galle: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Obsolete / Extremely RareArchaic, Poetic, Literary
Quick answer
What does “galle” mean?
A rare and somewhat archaic term, primarily a verb meaning to frighten, scare, terrify, or to hurry someone along by means of threats or pressure. Historically used to describe making someone feel anxious or alarmed.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A rare and somewhat archaic term, primarily a verb meaning to frighten, scare, terrify, or to hurry someone along by means of threats or pressure. Historically used to describe making someone feel anxious or alarmed.
In modern, extremely rare usage, it can be encountered in poetic or literary contexts to describe an action that causes distress, vexation, or irritation. It is largely obsolete in standard English.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Equally obsolete in both varieties. No contemporary distinction in use.
Connotations
If encountered, would carry a distinctly archaic, dramatic, or deliberately old-fashioned tone.
Frequency
Virtually never used in modern spoken or written English. Found only in historical texts or as a deliberate archaism.
Grammar
How to Use “galle” in a Sentence
[Subject] galles [Object]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “galle” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The eerie silence of the moor did galle the travellers, hastening their steps.
- He was galled by the sudden shadow looming in the corridor.
American English
- Tales of the hauntings were enough to galle even the bravest soul.
- The commander's harsh tone was meant to galle the troops into action.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Might appear in historical linguistics or literature studies discussing archaic vocabulary.
Everyday
Not used.
Technical
Not used.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “galle”
- Using it in modern contexts.
- Confusing its spelling/meaning with 'gale' or 'gall'.
- Incorrectly assuming it is a noun.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is considered an obsolete or extremely rare archaism. You will not encounter it in modern conversation or standard writing.
It is a transitive verb.
It is pronounced identically to the modern word 'gale' (/ɡeɪl/).
Primarily to avoid confusion if encountered in very old texts or poetry, and to understand that it is not a synonym for the city in Sri Lanka or a strong wind.
A rare and somewhat archaic term, primarily a verb meaning to frighten, scare, terrify, or to hurry someone along by means of threats or pressure. Historically used to describe making someone feel anxious or alarmed.
Galle is usually archaic, poetic, literary in register.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a strong GALE of wind that frightens (galles) people, making them hurry indoors.
Conceptual Metaphor
FEAR IS A PHYSICAL FORCE (that galls/strikes you).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary meaning of the archaic verb 'to galle'?