Gay, n. An ornament [Obs.]
L'Estrange.
Gay (?), a. [Compar.
Gayer (?); superl. Gayest.] [F.
gai, perhaps fr. OHG. g?hi swift, rapid, G.
gäh, jäh, steep, hasty; or cf. OHG.
w?hi beatiful, good. Cf. Jay.]
1. Excited with merriment; manifesting
sportiveness or delight; inspiring delight; livery; merry.
Belinda smiled, and all the world was
gay.
Pope.
Gay hope is theirs by fancy fed.
Gray.
2. Brilliant in colors; splendid; fine;
richly dressed.
Why is my neighbor's wife so gay?
Chaucer.
A bevy of fair women, richly gay
In gems and wanton dress!
Milton.
3. Loose; dissipated; lewd.
[Colloq.]
Syn. -- Merry; gleeful; blithe; airy; lively; sprightly,
sportive; light-hearted; frolicsome; jolly; jovial; joyous; joyful;
glad; showy; splendid; vivacious.