Emily Dickinson Lexicon

GAY, a. [Fr. gai; Arm. gae; It. gaio, gay. In Sp. gaya is a stripe of different colors on stuffs; gaytero is gaudy; and gayo is a jay. The W. has gwyç, gay, gaudy, brave. This is a contracted word, but whether from the root of gaudy, or not, is not obvious. In some of its applications, it seems allied to joy.]

1. Merry; airy; jovial; sportive; frolicksome. It denotes more life and animation than cheerful. Belinda smiled, and all the world was gay. Pope.
2. Fine; showy; as, a gay dress.
3. Inflamed or merry with liquor; intoxicated; a vulgar use of the word in America.