gadding

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gad 1

 (găd)
intr.v. gad·ded, gad·ding, gads
To move about restlessly or with little purpose, especially in search of pleasure or amusement. See Synonyms at wander.
[Middle English gadden, to hurry.]
gad′der n.

gad 2

 (găd)
n.
1. A pointed tool, such as a spike or chisel, used for breaking rock or ore.
2. Archaic A goad, as for prodding cattle.
tr.v. gad·ded, gad·ding, gads
To break up (ore, for example) with a gad.
[Middle English, from Old Norse gaddr.]

Gad 1

 (găd)
In the Bible, a son of Jacob and the forebear of one of the tribes of Israel.

Gad 2

 (găd)
interj.
Used to express surprise or dismay.
[Alteration of God.]
American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright © 2016 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
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References in classic literature
"Mrs Musgrove thinks all her servants so steady, that it would be high treason to call it in question; but I am sure, without exaggeration, that her upper house-maid and laundry-maid, instead of being in their business, are gadding about the village, all day long.
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For envy is a gadding passion, and walketh the streets, and doth not keep home: Non est curiosus, quin idem sit malevolus.
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It makes them vain and forward and fond of gadding."
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