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.