vail

[veyl]

verb (used with object)

to let sink; lower.

Archaic. to take off or doff (one's hat), as in respect or submission.

Origin of vail

1300–50; Middle English valen, aphetic variant of avalen (now obsolete) < Middle French avaler to move down, verbal derivative of phrase a val down (literally, to the valley) (a to (< Latin ad) + val vale)

vail

[veyl]Archaic.

verb (used with or without object)

to be of use or profit; avail.

noun

a tip; gratuity.

Origin of vail

1250–1300; Middle English; aphetic variant of avail

vail

[veyl]Obsolete

noun

a veil.

verb (used with object)

to veil.

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for vailed

Historical Examples of vailed

The spelling "vailed" has been retained as acceptable in 19th Century writing.
Harper's New Monthly Magazine, Vol IV. No. XX. January, 1852.
Various
And kind and loving were Harold's looks and brief words, as he rode with vailed bonnet through the swarming streets.
Harold, Complete
Edward Bulwer-Lytton
As he entered Lyon's room, Witzig saw a lady seated near the door, vailed and evidently waiting for some one.
The Struggle for Missouri
John McElroy
A lamp, vailed under a semi-opaque shade, served only to render more visible the shadows of this strange chamber.
Harper's New Monthly Magazine, Volume 2, No. 12, May, 1851.
Various
An hour afterward, Mr. Blake left his office by the back-door, accompanied by the vailed lady.
A Changed Heart
May Agnes Fleming

British Dictionary definitions for vailed

vail

verb (tr) obsolete

to lower (something, such as a weapon), esp as a sign of deference or submission

to remove (the hat, cap, etc) as a mark of respect or meekness

Word Origin for vail

c14 valen, from obsolete avalen, from Old French avaler to let fall, from Latin ad vallem, literally: to the valley, that is, down, from ad to + vallis valley

vail

noun, verb

an archaic word for avail

vail

noun, verb

an archaic spelling of veil

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Word Origin and History for vailed

vail

"advantage, profit," early 15c., from vail (v.) "to be of use or service" (c.1300), from Old French vail, from valoir "to be of value or worth" (see value (n.)).