wind·fall
 windfall
|
|
- pronunciation:
- wInd
fawl
- parts of speech:
- noun, adjective
- features:
- Word Combinations (noun), Word History
| part of speech: |
noun |
| definition 1: |
an unexpected or unearned gain or piece of good fortune.
- similar words:
- killing
|
| definition 2: |
something, esp. a tree or fruit from a tree, blown down by wind.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| part of speech: |
adjective |
| definition: |
gained or obtained unexpectedly.
windfall profits |
In the 1400s, the trees on a British nobleman's estate belonged to the king he served. However, trees that had fallen in a storm were free to those who lived on the estate. Such a piece of luck was called a
windfall.