verb
gall
To cause soreness through rubbing irritation.
The stiff leather straps gall the horse's skin as it walks.
Etymology
The verb comes from gall meaning a sore spot. It names producing irritation by rubbing; its deeper ancestry is uncertain.
More examples
- His new boots galled his heels during the hike.
- A rough collar can gall a dog's neck.
- She pads the pack straps to prevent them from galling her shoulders.
Forms
gall · galls · galled · galling