A funny reaction in gales, perhaps (8)
I believe the answer is:
laughter
I believe this is a double definition.
'a funny reaction' is the first definition.
(reaction to something funny)
'in gales perhaps' is the second definition.
(as in the phrase 'gales of laughter')
(Other definitions for laughter that I've seen before include "Manifestation of mirth" , "Sign of amusement" , "Cackling" , "Infectious thing" , "Manifestation of amusement" .)