(n.) An imperfect rainbow, believed to be a presage of storm.
Related words:
(n.) watergall 1594 SHAKES. Lucr. 1588 And round about her teare-distained eye Blew circles stream'd, like Rain-bows in the skie. These watergalls in her dim Element, Foretell new stormes.
(n.) windgall 1823 J. F. COOPER Pilot I. ii. 19 There be streaked wind-galls in the offing, that speak...plainly...to shorten sail.
This makes me think of the saying that "the devil is beating his wife" when there is rain and sunshine at the same time.
From the OED:
(n.) An imperfect rainbow, believed to be a presage of storm.
Related words:
(n.) watergall
1594 SHAKES. Lucr. 1588
And round about her teare-distained eye
Blew circles stream'd, like Rain-bows in the skie.
These watergalls in her dim Element,
Foretell new stormes.
(n.) windgall
1823 J. F. COOPER Pilot I. ii. 19
There be streaked wind-galls in the offing, that speak...plainly...to shorten sail.