Main Entry: ¹hail

Pronunciation: \ˈhāl\

Function: noun

Etymology: Middle English, from Old English hægl; akin to Old High German hagal hail

Date: before 12th century

1 : precipitation in the form of small balls or lumps usually consisting of concentric layers of clear ice and compact snow
2 : something that gives the effect of a shower of hail <a hail of rifle fire>