Emily Dickinson Lexicon
Definition for GALL
GALL, n.2 [L. galla; Sax. gealla; Sp. agalla; It. galla.]
A hard round excrescence on the oak tree in certain warm climates, said to be the nest of an insect called cynips. It is formed from the tear issuing from a puncture made by the insect, and gradually increased by accessions of fresh matter, till it forms a covering to the eggs and succeeding insects. Galls are used in making ink; the best are from Aleppo. – Parr.
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