vail
1[ veyl ]
/ veɪl /
verb (used with object)
to let sink; lower.
Archaic. to take off or doff (one's hat), as in respect or submission.
QUIZZES
LEARN THE SPANISH WORDS FOR THESE COMMON ANIMALS!
Are you learning Spanish? Or do you just have an interest in foreign languages? Either way, this quiz on Spanish words for animals is for you.
Question 1 of 13
How do you say “cat” 🐈 in Spanish?
Origin of vail
11300–50; 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) + valvale)
Definition for vail (2 of 3)
vail2
[ veyl ]
/ veɪl /
verb (used with or without object)
to be of use or profit; avail.
noun
a tip; gratuity.
Origin of vail
21250–1300; Middle English; aphetic variant of avail
Definition for vail (3 of 3)
vail3
[ veyl ]
/ veɪl /
noun
a veil.
verb (used with object)
to veil.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2021
Example sentences from the Web for vail
British Dictionary definitions for vail (1 of 3)
vail1
/ (veɪl) /
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
British Dictionary definitions for vail (2 of 3)
British Dictionary definitions for vail (3 of 3)
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