GAY

gay. Gay, a. airy, merry, fine, showy; n. an ornament

---

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. 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. 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. 3. Loose; dissipated; lewd.
Syn. — Merry; gleeful; blithe; airy; lively; sprightly, sportive; light-hearted; frolicsome; jolly; jovial; joyous; joyful; glad; showy; splendid; vivacious.