Goal (?), n. [F. gaule pole, Prov. F. waule, of German origin; cf. Fries. walu staff, stick, rod, Goth. walus, Icel. volr a round stick; prob. akin to E. wale.]

1.

The mark set to bound a race, and to or around which the constestants run, or from which they start to return to it again; the place at which a race or a journey is to end.

Part curb their fiery steeds, or shun the goal With rapid wheels. Milton.

2.

The final purpose or aim; the end to which a design tends, or which a person aims to reach or attain.

Each individual seeks a several goal. Pope.

3.

A base, station, or bound used in various games; in football, a line between two posts across which the ball must pass in order to score; also, the act of kicking the ball over the line between the goal posts.

Goal keeper, the player charged with the defense of the goal.

 

© Webster 1913.

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