'Upon the gad' definitions:

Definition of 'Upon the gad'

From: GCIDE
  • Gad \Gad\, n. [OE. gad, Icel. gaddr goad, sting; akin to Sw. gadd sting, Goth. gazds, G. gerte switch. See Yard a measure.]
  • 1. The point of a spear, or an arrowhead. [1913 Webster]
  • 2. A pointed or wedge-shaped instrument of metal, as a steel wedge used in mining, etc. [1913 Webster]
  • I will go get a leaf of brass, And with a gad of steel will write these words. --Shak. [1913 Webster]
  • 3. A sharp-pointed rod; a goad. [1913 Webster]
  • 4. A spike on a gauntlet; a gadling. --Fairholt. [1913 Webster]
  • 5. A wedge-shaped billet of iron or steel. [Obs.] [1913 Webster]
  • Flemish steel . . . some in bars and some in gads. --Moxon. [1913 Webster]
  • 6. A rod or stick, as a fishing rod, a measuring rod, or a rod used to drive cattle with. [Prov. Eng. Local, U.S.] --Halliwell. Bartlett. [1913 Webster]
  • Upon the gad, upon the spur of the moment; hastily. [Obs.] "All this done upon the gad!" --Shak. [1913 Webster]