an ancient region of W Europe corresponding to N Italy, France, Belgium, part of Germany, and the S Netherlands: divided into Cisalpine Gaul, which became a Roman province before 100 bc, and Transalpine Gaul, which was conquered by Julius Caesar (58–51 bc)
Latin name: Gallia
2.
a native of ancient Gaul
3.
a French person
Gaul in American English1
(gɔl)
noun
1.
a member of the Celtic-speaking people of ancient Gaul
2.
a Frenchman
Gaul in American English2
(gɔl)
1.
ancient region in W Europe, consisting of what is now mainly France & Belgium
: after 5th cent. b.c., also called Transalpine Gaul
2.
ancient region in N Italy, occupied by the Gauls (4th cent. b.c.)
: in full Cisalpine Gaul
3.
ancient division of the Roman Empire, including Cisalpine Gaul & Transalpine Gaul (1st-5th cent. a.d.)
Word origin
Fr < Frank *walha, Romans, foreigners, orig., Celts < WGmc *walhos < Celt name > Wales, Welsh, L Volcae