orig. phr. on gate, a gate. [A prep.1 of state + GATE sb.2 way, path.] On the way, on the road; hence, a-going, in motion. (Properly a northern word.)
1554. Interl. Youth, in Hazl., Dodsley, II. 25. Go to it then hardily, and let us be agate.
1587. Holinshed, Scott. Chron. (1806), I. 418. Some of the mills yet were now at low water set on gate, by reason the streams were so hugelie augmented.
1674. Ray, N. Countrey Wds., s.v., Agate, just going, as I am agate.
1848. C. Brontë, Jane Eyre (1857), 344. I’m fear’d you have some ill plans agate.
1863. Mrs. Gaskell, Sylvia’s L., I. 63. And t’ cursed old pressgang’s agate again.
