Flemish steel . . . some in bars and some in gads.
Moxon.
6. A rod or stick, as a fishing rod, a measuring rod, or a rod used to
drive cattle with. [Prov. Eng. Local, U.S.] Halliwell. Bartlett.
Upon the gad, upon the spur of the moment; hastily. [Obs.] "All this
done upon the gad!" Shak.
Gad, v. i. [imp. & p. p. Gadded; p. pr. & vb. n. Gadding.] [Prob. fr.
gad, n., and orig. meaning to drive about.] To walk about; to rove or
go about, without purpose; hence, to run wild; to be uncontrolled. "The
gadding vine." Milton.
Why gaddest thou about so much to change thy way?
Jer. ii. 36.