gal
Abbreviation with 3 meanings
| Stands for | Gallon |
|---|---|
| Meanings | 3 |
| Categories | Units & Measurements, Law & Legal, Religion |
| Also written | GAL, Gal. |
gal has three meanings. The most common are Gallon (US customary and imperial unit) and Guardian ad litem (estate and family law); it can also stand for Galatians.
Meanings of gal at a glance
| # | gal stands for | Context |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Gallon | Units & Measurements › US Customary and Imperial Unit |
| 2 | Guardian ad litem | Law & Legal › Estate and Family Law |
| 3 | Galatians | Religion › Bible Book |
1. Gallon
Units & Measurements · US Customary and Imperial Unit Abbreviations
The largest common US liquid measure, defined as 231 cubic inches or about 3.785 liters. American gasoline, milk, paint, water heaters and fuel economy (miles per gallon) use it; the imperial gallon used in Britain is larger, exactly 4.54609 liters.
Example: Regular unleaded is $3.29/gal at the station on Route 9.
The US gallon descends from the English wine gallon of 1707; Britain replaced its several gallons with the imperial gallon in 1824, defining it as the volume of ten pounds of water. UK fuel is sold by the liter, but British car reviews still quote mpg in imperial gallons, which makes UK mpg figures about 20 percent higher than US ones for the same car.
2. Guardian ad litem (GAL)
Law & Legal · Estate and Family Law Abbreviations
Person appointed by a court to investigate and represent the best interests of a child or incapacitated adult in a particular case, such as a custody dispute, abuse and neglect proceeding or guardianship. The GAL reports findings and makes recommendations to the judge.
Example: The GAL interviewed both parents and the children's teachers before recommending joint custody.
From Latin "ad litem", "for the suit". A GAL may be a lawyer or a trained volunteer, and the role differs from a child's attorney, who advocates for the child's own wishes. The federal Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act requires states to appoint a GAL or similar representative for children in abuse and neglect cases.
3. Galatians (Gal.)
Religion · Bible Book Abbreviations
Six-chapter letter from Paul to churches in Galatia arguing that Gentile Christians need not follow the Jewish law, including circumcision. It lists the "fruit of the Spirit" (5:22–23) and declares that in Christ "there is neither Jew nor Greek" (3:28).
Example: Gal. 5:22–23 lists love, joy, peace and the other fruit of the Spirit.
Context separates Gal. from gal. for gallon; SBL and short forms write Gal without a period. Luther called Galatians his favorite letter. It contains Paul's account of his clash with Peter in Antioch.
Related abbreviations
More US customary and imperial unit abbreviations
- fl oz – Fluid ounce
- ft – Foot
- ftm – Fathom
- fur – Furlong
- gi – Gill
- gr – Grain
- hh – Hands high
- imp – Imperial
See all 43 US customary and imperial unit abbreviations →
More estate and family law abbreviations
- EPA – Enduring power of attorney
- EPO – Emergency protective order
- FBO – For the benefit of
- FOC – Friend of the Court
- GRAT – Grantor retained annuity trust
- GST – Generation-skipping transfer tax
- HCPOA – Health care power of attorney
- ICPC – Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children
See all 50 estate and family law abbreviations →
This entry is for general education and is not legal advice. Abbreviation use varies between institutions; always confirm in context.