Dutch

Noun

gaai m ‎(plural gaaien, diminutive gaaitje n)

1. (zoology) The jaybird, Garrulus glandarinus, a woodland corvine species

Synonyms

• Vlaamse gaai (literally 'Flemish jay')

Etymology 2

A parallel form of papagaai ‎(“parrot”), by popular etymology confused with etymology 1, but actually from Middle Dutch papagoie, papegoie, from Arabic بَبَّغَاء ‎(babbaḡāʾ) and Persian بپغا ‎(bapğâ), of uncertain origin.

Noun

gaai m ‎(plural gaaien, diminutive gaaitje n)

1. A wooden, somewhat bird-shaped target, often ornamented with bright plumes, used in archery competitions
2. The high wooden stake or tower the above is mounted on

Synonyms

• (wooden base) wip, schutsboom m

Derived terms

• gaaischieten (verb)
• gaaischieter m
• gaaischieting

Etymology 3

A parallel form of gade ‎(“spouse”).

Noun

gaai f ‎(plural gaaien, diminutive gaaitje n or gaaike n)

1. (uncommon) A female spouse, notably (and mostly used in the diminutive):
   1. a female bird
   2. a female fish
   3. (humorous) a human mistress or wife

Synonyms

• (animals) wijfje n