Actually, Gerald's intent was probably to ward off an attack, rather than chastise Alex.
Indeed, the bulk of the reign of Aurelius was spent in efforts to ward off the attacks of the barbarians.
Giving gifts brought even more good cheer to ward off the evil spirits.
Regulating works have been undertaken to ward off the dangers of periodical inundations, which occur in the valley of the Danube and of the other great rivers, as the Theiss, the Drave and the Save.
The pelt or skin is requisite to keep out the piercing wind and driving storm, while the fur and overhair ward off the cold; and "furs" are as much a necessity to-day among more northern peoples as they ever were in the days of barbarism.
