GLEAM, noun [Latin flamma.] The radical sense is to throw, to shoot or dart, and it may be of the same family as clamo, clamor, a shoot of the voice. 1. A shoot of light; a beam; a ray; a small stream of light. A gleam of dawning light, metaphorically, a gleam of hope. 2. Brightness; splendor. In the clear azure gleam the flocks are seen. GLEAM, verb intransitive To shoot or dart, as rays of light. At the dawn light gleams in the east. 1. To shine; to cast light. 2. To flash; to spread a flood of light. [Less common.] 3. Among falconers, to disgorge filth, as a hawk.
Source: Webster's 1828 American Dictionary ↗ · public-domain · returned verbatim, no AI