Meaning of gather way | Babel Free

Definitions

1. To begin to move
   dated, idiomatic
2. to move with increasing speed
   dated, idiomatic
3. to get headway by sail or steam so as to answer the helm.
   dated, idiomatic

Examples

“The boat beginning to gather way, too, I threw Sennit the end of a lower-studding-sail halyards, that were brought aft for the purpose, ordered his bowman to let go his hold of the tackle, and dropped the boat a safe towing distance astern”

“The ship tacked with the same admirable precision as before, and on gathering way was found to be looking well up for the entrance to the narrow channel.”

CEFR level