vailn.¹

Brit.

/veɪl/, U.S.

/veɪl/

Forms: α. Middle English vayll(e, Middle English–1600s vayle, 1500s waylle; Middle English Scottish waill(e, waile, 1500s–1600s vaile, 1500s– vail (1500s Scottish vaill), 1800s dialect vaail; 1500s veyle, 1600s veile, 1700s veil. β. Middle English–1800s vale.

Etymology: < vail v.¹ Compare avail n.

Now archaic or dialect.

I. Senses relating to profit or advantage.

†1.

a. Advantage, benefit, profit. Obsolete.

ΘΚΠ

the world > action or operation > advantage > [noun]

fremea700

redeeOE

noteeOE

goodOE

goodnessOE

framec1175

winc1175

bihevec1230

behoofc1275

advantagec1300

prowc1300

wellc1300

wainc1315

profita1325

bewaynec1375

vantagec1380

goodshipc1390

prewa1400

steada1400

benefice1426

vailc1430

utilityc1440

of availc1450

prevaila1460

fordeal1470

winning1477

encherishingc1480

benefit1512

booty1581

emolument1633

handhold1655

withgate1825

cui bono1836

c1430 J. Lydgate Minor Poems (Percy Soc.) 9 God send also unto thy most vayle..A spiryt, a strenghte, and of good counsaylle.

c1450 Mirk's Festial 76 For, what maner vertu þat a man haue, but yf he be yn charyte, hit stondys him in no vayle.

1488 (c1478) Hary Actis & Deidis Schir William Wallace (Adv.) (1968–9) v. l. 201 He wyst no waill thar langar for to bide.

c1500 in W. Denton Eng. in 15th Cent. (1888) 318 He to kepe vnder yowre tenants and haue all the vayle and thay the burdyn.

c1500 in W. Denton Eng. in 15th Cent. (1888) 318 [To] destroy the cherch & the towne for a lytell vayle to yowre place.

c1547 Vox Populi iv, in J. Skelton Poet. Wks. (1843) II. 405 Lett marchantmen goe sayle For that ys ther trwe waylle.

1550 R. Crowley One & Thyrtye Epigrammes sig. Biv At Paryse garden..a man shall not fayle, To fynde two or thre hundredes for the bearwardes vaile.

b. dialect. Advance, progress.

ΚΠ

a1847 Isle of Wight Gloss. (E.D.S.) (at cited word) Thee dosn't zim to meyak much vaail.

†2. of (..) vail, of profit, value, or worth. Obsolete. Chiefly Scottish.

ΚΠ

c1450 Mirk's Festial 262 Þeras he was wont..to speke mony an ydull worde and of no vayle, aftyr he turnet al his speche ynto profyt.

1475 in 3rd Rep. Royal Comm. Hist. MSS (1872) App. 418 in Parl. Papers (C. 673) XXXIII. 337 Sayand that the brocht that Master Thomas..fand is of vayll and the brocht that I..fand..is of na wayll.

1488 (c1478) Hary Actis & Deidis Schir William Wallace (Adv.) (1968–9) i. l. 167 The byschoprykis that war of gretast waile Thai tuk in hand.

1535 W. Stewart tr. H. Boethius Bk. Cron. Scotl. (1858) II. 136 Quhen he considderit haill The Britis war bot of sa litill vaill.

†3. Scottish. Value or worth; account, estimation.

ΘΚΠ

the mind > attention and judgement > judgement or decision > evaluation, estimation, appraisal > [noun]

weenc888

rightnessOE

steemc1330

sight1362

witc1374

emprisea1393

reputation?c1400

apprizingc1449

nick?a1450

vail1471

countc1475

opinionc1480

estimationc1522

meting1548

reckoning1548

valuation1548

computation1558

account1583

cess1588

esteem1598

appreciation1605

resentiment1606

repute1610

ratea1616

assessmenta1626

estimate1637

vote1639

supputation1643

compute1646

value1651

resentment1655

contemplation1673

critique1798

appraisement1808

appraisal1817

viewa1854

sizing up1967

chit1989

the mind > goodness and badness > quality of being good > worth > [noun]

worthOE

worthfulnessOE

price?c1225

savour?c1225

aughtshipc1275

dearworthinessc1325

worthiness1372

preciousnessc1390

richesa1400

preciosity1402

valeur1433

valurec1440

preciousheadc1450

vail1471

paragea1475

valour?a1475

availa1522

vailance1532

validity1593

carat1600

condignity1605

valiant1606

esteeming1609

self-worth1610

telling1636

valuableness?1649

worthship1664

treasurableness1898

1471 Acta Audit. 11/1 And gif þai oxin be of mare vale, he to restor again þe Remanent.

1480 Acta Dom. Conc. (1839) 52/1 Henry to pay to þe said sir edward sa mekle as þe said teind was of vale.

1535 W. Stewart tr. H. Boethius Bk. Cron. Scotl. (1858) I. 98 Als force it is no tyme to him to faill, And lufe all thing ay efter the awin vaill.

1567 Compend. Bk. Godly Songs (1897) 74 Than man I..my Goddis name manesweir, And set him at full lytill vaill.

II. Senses relating to salary or perquisites, and related uses.

a. A casual or occasional profit or emolument in addition to salary, stipend, wages, or other regular payment, esp. one accruing or attached to an office or position; a fee or offering of this nature. Usually in plural. Now archaic or Obsolete.The plural is occasionally found construed as a singular.

ΘΠ

society > trade and finance > management of money > income, revenue, or profit > [noun] > personal income or acquired wealth > casually or incidentally acquired

feec1405

obventionc1425

availc1449

perquisitive?c1450

vailc1450

vantagea1470

perquisite1567

fee-bucka1643

casual1825

perk1869

side benefit1873

c1450 Godstow Reg. 648 The half of all offerynges & vayles of the auter.

c1450 Godstow Reg. 648 The offrynges & the vaylys of fowre days by the yere.

c1460 Oseney Reg. 113 A..chapeleyne, þe which shall take all þe obuencions (or vayles) of þe Auter of þe same chapell.

1550 T. Lever in J. Strype Eccl. Memorials (1721) II. 103 The number of the stock reserved, all manner of vails beside.

1570 J. Foxe Actes & Monumentes (rev. ed.) I. f. 369^v/2 The Church of S. Helene,..which was then estemed worth an hundreth Marks by yeare, besides other vayles and commodities belongyng to the same.

1618 P. Holderus tr. J. van Oldenbarneveld Barneuel's Apol. sig. Fiij^v Out of the wages allowed by the citie with other veiles I could wel-nigh maintaine my family.

1645 E. Pagitt Heresiogr. 71 Our vails for burials & christnings, is..ceast.

1712 J. Arbuthnot Lewis Baboon iv. vi. 26 For, he would quickly lick himself whole again by his Vails.

1728 J. Swift Intelligencer (1729) No. 7. 59 His Revenue (beside Vales) amounted to about thirty Pounds a Year.

1834 T. B. Macaulay Earl of Chatham in Ess. (1897) 300 These ignominious vails Pitt resolutely declined.

figurative and in extended use.1608 E. Topsell Hist. Serpents 50 To shew that minds and tongues with Learnings brand, Are blest with plenty in all wordly vayles.1694 J. Crowne Regulus v. 54 You scorn those scorns which always are the vales Of that unlucky Office [i.e. of a spy].

b. A dole or gratuity given to one in an inferior position. (Cf. sense 5.)

ΘΚΠ

the mind > possession > giving > gift or present > [noun] > gift made by superior

loana1240

warison1338

gratuity1540

vail1622

1622 J. Taylor Very Merry Wherry-Ferry Voy. in Wks. (1630) 13 Let Trencher-Poets scrape for such base vailes, I'l take an Oare in hand when writing failes.

1693 J. Dryden tr. Juvenal in J. Dryden et al. tr. Juvenal Satires i. 10 Since our Knights and Senators account To what their sordid begging Vails amount.

1863 W. W. Story Roba di Roma iii. 45 There are festivals and ceremonials where the people demand as of right certain vails and presents called mancie and propine.

c. A gift or present in the nature of a bribe.

ΘΚΠ

society > trade and finance > fees and taxes > illegal payment or exaction > [noun] > bribe

gift1382

handy-dandyc1390

pricec1400

bud1436

bribe?a1439

golden (also silver) keyc1450

fee1549

golden shower1589

oil of angels1592

sugar-plum1608

bribera1616

palm oil1625

greasinga1661

sop1665

sweetbreada1670

vail1687

douceur1739

sweetener1741

bonus1759

buckshee1773

smear-gelt1785

grease1823

boodle?1856

soap1860

ice1887

palm-grease1897

poultice1902

fix1929

dropsy1930

pay-off1930

drop1931

oil1935

squeeze-pidgin1946

sling1948

bung1958

back-hander1960

1687 A. Lovell tr. J. de Thévenot Trav. into Levant i. 253 Not reckoning a great many other Vails that are to be given every day almost to the Sous-Basha and several other knaves.

1886 C. Dick Model & Other Poems 80 The Custom House they passed with smile and tributary vail.

5. A gratuity given to a servant or attendant; a tip; spec. one of those given by a visitor on his departure to the servants of the house in which he has been a guest. Now archaic.

a. In plural.In the 17th and 18th centuries servants were largely paid by these gratuities, and the practice of giving them is frequently alluded to in the literature of the period. The word is recorded in various midland dialect glossaries, but usually as obsolescent.

ΘΚΠ

society > trade and finance > fees and taxes > payment for labour or service > [noun] > tip

bountethc1440

gratitude1535

vail1605

gratulance1608

gratilitya1616

spill1675

baksheesh1686

simony1707

perquisite1721

tip1755

grace1769

buckshee1773

mancia1798

bonus1834

pouch1880

gravy1910

étrenne1928

sling1948

small1962

toke1971

α.

1605 London Prodigall ii. iv Artichoke [servant to Sir Launcelot]. Our yeares wages and our vailes will scarcely pay for broken swords and bucklers.

1659 J. Milton Considerations touching Hirelings 71 Why should he, like a servant, seek vailes over and above his wages?

1745 J. Swift Direct. to Servants 14 I advise you of the Servants..who expect Vales, always to stand Rank and File when a Stranger is taking his Leave.

1766 R. Griffith & E. Griffith Lett. Henry & Frances IV. 157 An Agreement entered into among the Gentlemen of several Counties in Ireland, not to give Vails to Servants.

1778 T. Hutchinson Diary II. 218 One custom they kept up, which is laid down almost everywhere else—they allow their servants to take vails.

1823 Spirit of Public Jrnls. 107 If you tell tales, My son shall your place have, and pocket your vails.

1859 W. M. Thackeray Virginians i The lacqueys rose up from their cards to open the door to him, in order to get their ‘vails’.

1904 Times 20 Aug. 12/6 English visitors measure their vails..with discretion..in America.

figurative.1635 R. Sanderson Two Serm. S. Pauls Crosse & Grantham i. 49 These things among other the servant of God may certainely reckon upon, as the certaine vailes and benefits of his service.1742 E. Young Complaint: Night the First 18 Time lodg'd in their own hands is Folly's Vails.in combination.1760 (title) The Sentiments and Advice of Thos. Trueman, a Footman, setting forth the Custom of Vails-Giving in England.1860 S. Smiles Self-help (new ed.) vii. 188 One of the minor social evils..was the custom of what was called vails giving.β. 1716 J. Addison Drummer ii. 21 But. Rare News, my Lads, rare News! Gard. What's the Matter? hast thou got any more Vales for us?a1763 W. Shenstone Odes in Wks. (1765) 197 Phoo—how she stands—biting her nails—As tho' she play'd for half her vales.1823 A. Clarke Mem. Wesley Family 453 Vales to servants, that sovereign disgrace to their masters.1878 W. E. H. Lecky Hist. Eng. 18th Cent. I. iv. 571 The system of vales which made servants in a great degree independent of their masters.1894 S. J. Weyman Man in Black 116 They expect their vales at those places.

b. In singular. rare.

1682 G. Wheler Journey into Greece ii. 192 There are commonly Attendance, who, for a small Vale, will provide you such things as you have Occasion for.

1807 R. C. Hoare Tour Ireland 329 The vale or parting token, which the menial servants still in many houses expect.

1866 London Rev. 7 Apr. 337/2 Calling for the bill, and settling it off-hand was pleasant, but the vail to the waiter was delicious.

6. plural = perquisite n. 3c. Now rare.In early use applied to the remnants of material left over by a tailor after making a garment or suit.

ΘΚΠ

the mind > possession > acquisition > [noun] > that which is obtained or acquired > as a perquisite

vail1592

perquisitec1709

perk1869

society > trade and finance > management of money > income, revenue, or profit > [noun] > personal income or acquired wealth > casually or incidentally acquired > as thing left to servant or subordinate as right

vail1592

perquisitec1709

fringe benefit1952

1592 R. Greene Quip for Vpstart Courtier sig. D^v He is paide for his workmanship, vnlesse by misfortune his shieres slippe awrye, and then his vales is but a shred of homespunne cloth.

1592 R. Greene Quip for Vpstart Courtier sig. D^v The vales of one veluet breech is more then twenty paire of mine.

1612 T. Taylor Αρχὴν Ἁπάντων: Comm. Epist. Paul to Titus i. 7 All that is gotten..by stealth or vailes, whereby men vnconscionably shape out their owne commoditie out of another mans cloth.

a1658 J. Cleveland Wks. (1687) 75 By the same title as the upper Garment is the Vails of the Executioner.

1677 Compl. Servant-maid 114 Do not covet to have the Kitching Stuff for your Vales, but rather ask the more wages.

1731 H. Fielding Letter-writers iii. iii. 37 Where Ladies govern there are Secrets, and where there are Secrets there are Vails—I liv'd with a Lady once who used to give her Cloths away every Month.

a1732 J. Gay Fables (1738) II. xi. 100 A Carrier..Would see his horses eat their corn: This sunk the hostler's vails, 'tis true; But then his horses had their due.

1821 W. Scott Kenilworth III. xi. 216 These tell-tale articles must not remain here—they are rather too rich vails for the drudges who dress the chamber.

1890 J. D. Robertson Gloss. Words County of Gloucester (at cited word) The malter did always get the malt-dust for his vails.

figurative.1659 Owen Epigr. No. 34 Things only proper unto Males, The Female Sex claim as their Vales.

This entry has not yet been fully updated (first published 1916; most recently modified version published online December 2021).

† vailn.²

Etymology: < vail v.²

Obsolete. rare.

The going down or setting of the sun.

ΘΚΠ

the world > time > day and night > day or daytime > evening > [noun] > sunset

sunsetOE

settle-gangc1000

evensongc1330

sun going downa1382

setc1386

decline14..

sun restc1405

sun gate down1440

sunsetting1440

sun sitting?a1475

falling1555

sunsetting1575

downsetting1582

sunfall1582

declining1588

sun go down1595

tramontation1599

vail1609

daylight gate1613

sundown1620

set of day1623

dayset1633

day shutting1673

sky setting1683

sun-under1865

1609 W. Shakespeare Troilus & Cressida v. ix. 7 Loke..How ougly night comes breathing at his heeles Euen with the vaile and darkning of the Sunne.

This entry has not yet been fully updated (first published 1916; most recently modified version published online June 2021).

† vailv.¹

Forms:

α. Middle English uaile, Middle English uaille, Middle English uayle, Middle English vaill, Middle English vaille, Middle English vale, Middle English wail, Middle English wayle, Middle English waylle, Middle English–1500s vayl, Middle English–1500s vaylle, Middle English–1600s vail, Middle English–1600s vaile, Middle English–1600s vayle, 1500s vayll, 1500s waill, 1800s 'vail (poetic); Scottish pre-1700 vail, pre-1700 vaill, pre-1700 vale, pre-1700 vayle, pre-1700 waill.

β. northern Middle English vaily; Scottish pre-1700 vailȝe, pre-1700 vailye, pre-1700 valeye, pre-1700 valȝe, pre-1700 velȝe, pre-1700 wailȝe, pre-1700 welȝe.

Origin: A borrowing from French. Etymons: French vailer, vailler.

Etymology: < Anglo-Norman vailer, vailler, Anglo-Norman and Old French valeir, Anglo-Norman and Old French, Middle French valoir (strong stem vail- , vaill- ; French valoir ) to be worth (c1050), to be the equal of (c1100), to aid, assist, help (c1100), to prevail (early 12th cent. in Anglo-Norman), to be of use, advantage, or profit (a1174; also impersonal), to keep well, prosper (c1185 in Anglo-Norman in imperative), to be mighty or powerful, to be effectual (mid 13th cent. in Anglo-Norman), to be legally valid (a1300 in Anglo-Norman), to be of value or worth (early 14th cent. in Anglo-Norman) < classical Latin valēre to be strong, to be worth (see valent adj.). Compare avail v.The β. forms reflect French palatal l, which was initially retained in northern Middle English and Older Scots.

Obsolete.

a. transitive. To be of use, advantage, or benefit to (a person); to aid, assist, help. Also with non-referential it as subject. Frequently in negative or interrogative constructions. Cf. avail v. 2a.

ΘΚΠ

the world > action or operation > advantage > be advantageous or beneficial to [verb (transitive)]

helpc1000

goodOE

steadc1175

to do (one) boot?c1225

advancec1330

profitc1330

availc1384

servea1398

vaila1400

vailc1400

prevail1442

advantage?1459

vantagec1460

bootc1540

benefit1549

conduce?1577

to serve (one) in some, no stead1601

bonify1603

answer1756

better1833

to stand to ——1841

to stand (a person or thing) in (good, etc.) stead1887

?a1300 Dame Sirith l. 188 in G. H. McKnight Middle Eng. Humorous Tales (1913) 9 He saide me..Þat þou me couþest helpe and uaile..Þoru þine crafftes.

a1400 (a1325) Cursor Mundi (Vesp.) l. 3640 Bot þou sal do sun mi consail, Wel i wat it sal þe wail.

a1400 (a1325) Cursor Mundi (Vesp.) l. 26147 If þou be stad in suilk a nede For mikel may þe wail þis dede.

a1450 (c1410) H. Lovelich Hist. Holy Grail lii. l. 900 His defens ne vailled him not sekerly.

1517 S. Hawes Pastime of Pleasure (new ed.) i. 7 It vayled not the bodye for to dispose Against the head.

?1567 M. Parker Whole Psalter xvi. 30 My goodes can vayle thee nought.

1593 T. Lodge Life & Death William Long Beard sig. C^v What vailes me to compose As many verses as Homer did make?

1695 H. Killigrew tr. Martial Epigrams ii. 58 What vails it thee to make thy Slave a Mute?

1813 W. Scott Rokeby ii. 93 What 'vail'd it him, that brightly played The morning sun on Mortham's glade?

b. intransitive. To be of use, advantage, or profit; to be beneficial; to have value or worth. Frequently with non-referential it as subject, often with infinitive complement. Chiefly in negative or interrogative constructions. Cf. avail v. 2c.

ΘΚΠ

the world > action or operation > advantage > be advantageous or beneficial [verb (intransitive)]

dowc950

frameOE

fremeOE

helpc1000

gainc1175

holdc1175

vail1303

yainc1325

it is speedfulc1340

profit1340

speedc1380

prowa1400

bootc1400

prevailc1450

avail1489

mister1490

skill1528

stead1594

advantagea1616

conduce1624

the world > action or operation > advantage > be advantageous or beneficial to [verb (transitive)]

helpc1000

goodOE

steadc1175

to do (one) boot?c1225

advancec1330

profitc1330

availc1384

servea1398

vaila1400

vailc1400

prevail1442

advantage?1459

vantagec1460

bootc1540

benefit1549

conduce?1577

to serve (one) in some, no stead1601

bonify1603

answer1756

better1833

to stand to ——1841

to stand (a person or thing) in (good, etc.) stead1887

c1330 (?a1300) Sir Tristrem (1886) l. 1448 Wiþ a spere feloun He smot him in þe side; It no vailed o botoun.

a1393 J. Gower Confessio Amantis (Fairf.) vii. l. 144 Thurgh this science it is ful soght, Which vaileth and which vaileth noght.

a1400 (c1303) R. Mannyng Handlyng Synne (Harl.) l. 9471 Yn erytage nat long hyt vayleþ, Þe þred eyre leseþ, þat ouþer trauayleþ.

c1400 (?c1380) Cleanness (1977) l. 1311 Of such vessel auayed, þat vayled so huge, Neuer ȝet nas Nabugodenoȝar er þenne.

a1425 (a1400) Prick of Conscience (Galba & Harl.) (1863) l. 3646 Ay, whiles he es in dedly syn, His help vailles noght, bot es in vayne.

a1425 (?a1400) G. Chaucer Romaunt Rose (Hunterian) (1891) l. 5765 To hym not vailith his preching.

c1460 (?c1400) Tale of Beryn l. 3883 ‘What vaylith it,’ quod hanybald, ‘to angir or to curs?’

a1500 in R. H. Robbins Hist. Poems 14th & 15th Cent. (1959) 170 And yet when such cloth ys all ywrowte, To the maker it waylyth lytyll or nowȝtte.

1568 T. Howell Arbor of Amitie f. 24^v What vailes the glittring Golde, when loue is forcde to flee.

1592 W. Wyrley Capitall de Buz in True Vse Armorie 119 What booteth it of Gentries brag to boast, What vaileth it, old ensignes foorth to show?

1601 J. Weever Mirror of Martyrs sig. Ej What vaileth it a lion be a king Closely shut vp within this tower of stone.

2. intransitive. Law. To be legally valid. Cf. avail v. 5.

ΚΠ

a1325 Statutes of Realm (Rawl. B.520) (2019) xliii. 5 Hit nas noȝt freo tenement to þe eir, for hit ne mai noȝt ben assembled þoru riȝt, ne þe coniunccion ne uaillez noȝt so ase þe seisede mai repelen, ne þe venquissinge ne uailez noȝt bote ȝif hit were aioined þoru riȝt.

3. intransitive. To have might or power; to prevail.

ΘΚΠ

the world > action or operation > prosperity > success > mastery or superiority > have or gain mastery, superiority, or advantage [verb (intransitive)]

risec1175

to have the higher handa1225

to have the besta1393

bettera1400

vaila1400

to win or achieve a checka1400

surmount1400

prevaila1425

to have (also get) the better handa1470

to go away with it1489

to have the besta1500

to have (also get, etc.) the better (or worse) end of the staff1542

to have ita1616

to have (also get) the laugh on one's side1672

top1718

beat1744

to get (also have) the right end of the stick1817

to have the best of1846

to go one better1856

a1400 (a1325) Cursor Mundi (Vesp.) l. 7375 His faas sal noght a-gain him wail [Fairf. vaily], For him ne his sal i noghil.

Phrases

vail that vail might: whatever happens; come what may. [After Anglo-Norman vaille qe vailler purra and Middle French vaille que vaille (see vail que vail phr.).]

ΘΚΠ

the world > existence and causation > occurrence > future events > [phrase] > whatever may happen

sink or swimc1410

vail that vail mightc1475

a1500 Partenay (Trin. Cambr.) l. 2672 Vail that vail might, the monkys brend so.

This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, September 2022).

vailv.²

Brit.

/veɪl/, U.S.

/veɪl/

Forms: α. Middle English–1600s vale. β. 1500s–1600s vayl(e, vaill, vaile, 1500s– vail, 1600s wayle. γ. 1500s veile, 1600s–1800s veil.

Etymology: < Old French valer (rare), or aphetic < avale v.

Now archaic.

I. transitive.

a. To lower (a weapon, banner, etc.); to cause or allow to descend or sink.

ΘΚΠ

the world > movement > motion in a certain direction > downward motion > causing to come or go down > cause to come or go down [verb (transitive)] > lower or let down

abeyOE

fellOE

to let down1154

lowc1330

vailc1330

revalec1475

to let fallc1500

bate1530

stoop1530

down1595

fall1595

embase1605

dismount1609

lower1626

sink1632

prostratea1718

c1330 R. Mannyng Chron. Wace (Rolls) 12384 Þat swerd he lifte wel on hey, & valede his scheld a party.

1600 E. Fairfax tr. T. Tasso Godfrey of Bulloigne xx. xlii. 371 She broake and cleft the crowne, and caus'd him vaile His proud and loftie top.

1610 G. Fletcher Christs Victorie 36 But all so soone as heau'n his browes doth bend, Shee veils her banners, and pulls in her beames.

1864 W. W. Skeat tr. J. L. Uhland Songs & Ballads 234 Faint with toil, he vails his spear.

b. spec. To lower in sign of submission or respect.

ΘΚΠ

the world > movement > motion in a certain direction > downward motion > causing to come or go down > cause to come or go down [verb (transitive)] > lower or let down > in submission or respect

vail1599

society > authority > subjection > obedience > submissiveness > submission > submit to [verb (transitive)] > bend or lower in submission

bowa1400

vail1599

1599 George a Greene sig. G2 If any aske a reason why? or how? Say, English Edward vaild his staffe to you.

1616 J. Lane Contin. Squire's Tale v. 331 At whose approche th' whole armie veild their pikes, soldiers and officers on knees down strikes.

1651 W. Davenant Gondibert i. i. 68 They vayl'd their Ensignes as it by did move.

1687 A. Lovell tr. J. de Thévenot Trav. into Levant i. 289 The besieged begged Quarter, veiled their Standards and Colours, as a sign that they submitted to the Discretion of the Sultan.

c. To lower or cast down (the eyes); to bend, bow down (the head, etc.); to hang (the tail).

ΘΚΠ

the world > space > relative position > posture > position of specific body parts > position specific body part [verb (transitive)] > head, face, or eyes

warpc1175

lout1297

to smite downa1350

to cast downc1374

embowc1440

droop1582

vail1586

upturn1667

slink1683

poke1852

1586 J. Ferne Blazon of Gentrie 28 Which bird,..after he hath caste downe his eyes as ashamed at the lothsomnes of his feet, vayleth his taile and plucketh downe the pride of his plumes.

1594 T. Kyd tr. R. Garnier Cornelia v. 418 Valing your Christall eyes to your faire bosoms.

1638 F. Quarles Hieroglyphikes vii. 27 What dire disaster bred This Change? that thus she vailes her golden head?

1657 Lusts Dominion i. iii. sig. B6 I, vailing my knees to the cold earth.

1675 T. Plume Acct. Life & Death in J. Hacket Cent. Serm. p. xlvii The jolly Prelat..never stoopt nor vail'd his head.

1836 J. Keble Lyra Apost. 117 Voice of the wise of old! Go..teach proud Science where to vail her brow.

1859 Ld. Tennyson Guinevere in Idylls of King 259 Here her hand Grasp'd, made her vail her eyes: she look'd and saw The novice.

†d. To throw down, give up or surrender (a purse). rare.

ΘΚΠ

the mind > possession > relinquishing > relinquish or give up [verb (transitive)]

forsakec893

forlet971

to reach upOE

agiveOE

yield?c1225

uptake1297

up-yield1297

yield1297

deliverc1300

to-yielda1375

overgivec1384

grant1390

forbeara1400

livera1400

forgoc1400

upgive1415

permit1429

quit1429

renderc1436

relinquish1479

abandonc1485

to hold up?1499

enlibertyc1500

surrender1509

cess1523

relent1528

to cast up?1529

resignate1531

uprender1551

demit1563

disclaim1567

to fling up1587

to give up1589

quittance1592

vail1593

enfeoff1598

revoke1599

to give off1613

disownc1620

succumb1632

abdicate1633

delinquish1645

discount1648

to pass away1650

to turn off1667

choke1747

to jack up1870

chuck up (the sponge)1878

chuckc1879

unget1893

sling1902

to jack in1948

punt1966

to-leave-

1593 G. Peele Famous Chron. King Edward the First sig. H2^v Frier... And this sentence is..confirmed by our Lord Lluellen Prince of Wales, and Robin Hood of the great mountaines. Lluellen. So vaile your budgettes to Robin of the mountaine.

a. To doff or take off (a bonnet, hat, crown, or other head-dress), esp. out of respect or as a sign of submission. Also const. to or unto (a person, etc.).

ΘΚΠ

the world > textiles and clothing > clothing > providing with clothing > undressing or removing clothing > undress or remove clothing [verb (transitive)] > take off clothing > specific garments

avalec1330

vailc1450

to gather offc1460

strip1607

unmufflea1652

to strip up1664

the mind > attention and judgement > esteem > respect > [verb (transitive)] > show respect for > uncover (the head) > remove (hat)

vailc1450

society > authority > subjection > obedience > submissiveness > submission > submit to [verb (transitive)] > doff in submission

vailc1450

α., β.

c1450 (c1400) Emaré (1908) 992 When he mette the emperour, He valed his hode with gret honour.

1528 Rede me & be nott Wrothe sig. b i In every place wheare we were presente, They vayled their bonetis and bowed a kne.

1591 J. Lyly Endimion iii. iii. sig. E3 Hee..sayth, seeing it is the fashion of the world, hee will vaile bonet to beautie.

1600 E. Fairfax tr. T. Tasso Godfrey of Bulloigne ii. xlviii. 29 This said, the virgin gan her beauoir vale.

1655 H. L'Estrange Reign King Charles 11 His Speech being ended, the King vailed his Crown, a thing rare in any of his Predecessors.

1693 T. Urquhart & P. A. Motteux tr. F. Rabelais 3rd Bk. Wks. xliii. 356 Pantagruel vayling his Cap, and making a Leg with such a Majestick Garb,..farewell'd Trinquamelle the President.

1819 W. Scott Legend of Montrose viii, in Tales of my Landlord 3rd Ser. III. 304 The bonnets, which hitherto each Chief had worn..were now at once vailed in honour of the royal warrant.

1843 E. Bulwer-Lytton Last of Barons I. ii. ii. 176 The Earl acknowledged their greeting by vailing his plumed cap.

γ. 1601 P. Holland tr. Pliny Hist. World II. 305 As for veiling bonnet before great rulers and magistrats, or within their sight [etc.].1603 T. Dekker 1603: Wonderfull Yeare sig. F1 Into which [alehouse] as good lucke was,..veiling his Bonnet, he strucke in.1740 W. Somervile Hobbinol ii. 279 He spake, And veil'd his Bonnet to the Crowd.1825 W. Scott Talisman xi, in Tales Crusaders IV. 220 The spiritual dignitaries, who in those days vailed not their bonnets to created thing, bestowed on the King..their blessing instead of obeisance.

b. figurative with bonnet: To manifest submission; to acknowledge oneself overcome or surpassed; to yield, give way. (Cf. 3b.)

ΚΠ

1579 S. Gosson Schoole of Abuse f. 42^v If you giue but a glance to your beholders, you haue vayled the bonnet in token of obedience.

1596 Raigne of Edward III sig. I4^v Copland..with a lowly minde, Doth vale the bonnet of his victory.

1609 P. Holland tr. Ammianus Marcellinus Rom. Hist. 360 My heart yerneth..to thinke how many right honourable personages in this unseemly..manner were debased and brought to vale bonet.

1626 in W. Foster Eng. Factories India 1624–9 (1909) 138 None is made so happy but he hath cause to vale the bonnett.

1739 R. Whatley Three Lett. 14 After the noted rupture in St. James's Square, he had so remarkably veil'd his bonnet.

c. (As 2b.) To submit or yield, to show respect, to some person, etc.

ΚΠ

1587 A. Fleming et al. Holinshed's Chron. (new ed.) III. 297/1 All christendome must veile the bonnet to his holinesse.

1590 ‘Pasquil’ First Pt. Pasquils Apol. sig. D^v All Schooles of Phylosophers shoulde haue vailed the bonet vnto God.

1611 T. Coryate Crudities sig. V6 Shee wil very neare benumme and captiuate thy senses, and make reason vale bonnet to affection.

1675 J. Smith Christian Relig. Appeal ii. 14 Therefore we see all the Grecian Philosophy that was not founded upon Tradition..veil'd the Bonnet to that of Pythagoras, Socrates and Plato.

†3.

a. Nautical. To lower, to let or haul down (a sail).

ΘΚΠ

society > travel > travel by water > directing or managing a ship > use of sails, spars, or rigging > carry specific amount of sail [verb (transitive)] > strike or take in (sails) > lower (sail)

amain1541

vail1553

understrike?1615

settlea1625

douse1626

lower1626

1553 J. Brende tr. Q. Curtius Rufus Hist. ix. f. 188 The waues dyd ryse so hygh and thicke..that the shipmen beganne to vale their sayles.

1586 T. Bowes tr. P. de la Primaudaye French Acad. I. 372 In the meane while he taketh the helme into his hand, he vaileth the foresaile, and..laboureth to come out of the darke sea.

a1661 W. Brereton Trav. (1844) 3 We vailed our topsail, and.. it being answered that we were of London and bound for Rotterdam, we were dismissed.

figurative.1589 R. Greene Menaphon sig. C^v If he will her to keepe a low sayle, she will vayle al her sheete.

b. esp. To lower as a salute or in acknowledgement of inferiority. Chiefly with bonnet as object. Sometimes figurative. (Cf. 2b.)

ΘΚΠ

the mind > attention and judgement > esteem > respect > respect or show respect [verb (intransitive)]

to make feasta1325

vail1509

vail1609

to know one's distancea1616

Schweik1973

the mind > attention and judgement > esteem > respect > respect or show respect [verb (intransitive)] > lower sail, flag, or weapon

strike1390

vail1509

to lower or strike one's flag1644

the mind > attention and judgement > esteem > respect > [verb (transitive)] > show respect for > lower (sail)

vail1509

society > travel > travel by water > directing or managing a ship > use of sails, spars, or rigging > support (an amount of) sail [verb (intransitive)] > reduce sail > specific

vail1509

amain1540

(a)

1509 S. Hawes Pastime of Pleasure xxxvi. xvi Her bonet she vayled, and gan to stryke sayle.

a1529 J. Skelton Against Venemous Tongues in Wks. (1843) I. 133 Then let them vale a bonet of their proud sayle.

1560 J. Daus tr. J. Sleidane Commentaries f. ccclxiiij^v The french Captaine..signified vnto them that for honoure sake, after the olde accustomed facion, they shuld vaile their bonnets, strike saile, and hailse her with, shoting of their ordinaunce.

1613 S. Purchas Pilgrimage 730 Mysians, Troyans, Tyrians vaile your bonnets, strike your top-sailes to this Indian-Admirall.

a1643 J. Burroughs Sovereignty Brit. Seas (1651) 62 Divers Ships..that have constantly kept the Narrow Seas, unto which all strangers even at this day vaile Bonnet in acknowlegement of this Superioritie.

1678 A. Marvell Acct. Growth Popery in Wks. (1875) IV. 282 The pretended causes [of war] were made publick, which were, the not having vailed bonnet to the English yacht [etc.].

(b)1631 T. Heywood Fair Maid of West: 1st Pt. iv. 47 It did me good To see the Spanish Carveile vaile her top Vnto my Maiden Flag.1653 H. Cogan tr. F. M. Pinto Voy. & Adventures xix. 68 In token of joy they gave a great shout, and withall vailing their top sails in shew of obedience.

†4. figurative.

a. To abase, humble, or lower (one's courage, the heart, etc.); to submit, subject, or yield (one thing) to (another). Obsolete.

ΘΚΠ

the mind > emotion > humility > make humble [verb (transitive)]

edmodienc1175

lowc1175

meekc1175

lessa1382

abatec1390

abasea1393

belowc1400

meekenc1400

disadvance?c1425

simplec1450

lowlyc1485

humilea1492

chasten1526

to pare the nails ofa1549

lessen1579

vail1582

to take (something) a hole lower1591

destate1615

humblea1616

thorough-humblea1617

humiliate1656

level1712

unnichea1751

to level up, down1791

unpedestal1821

to take the starch out of1830

society > authority > subjection > obedience > submissiveness > submission > submit to [verb (transitive)] > submit one's neck, heart, etc., to

underlaya1300

submit1543

vail1582

1582 R. Stanyhurst tr. Virgil First Foure Bookes Æneis iv. 68 Also let oure Dido vayle her hert too bedfeloe Troian.

c1592 C. Marlowe Jew of Malta v. ii Now vaile your pride you captiue Christians.

1602 J. Davies Mirum in Modum sig. E4 Vaile, vaile thy thoughts, th' imaginations vaile, Vnto the depth of all profundities.

1649 Bp. J. Hall Resol. & Decisions i. i. 3 There can be no reason why you should vaile your owne just advantage to another mans excesse.

1654 J. Owen Doctr. Saints Persev. iv, in Wks. (1851) XI. 211 Expressing much confidence that the world of saints..will vail their faith and understanding to his dictates.

1827 W. Scott Surgeon's Daughter in Chron. Canongate 1st Ser. II. vi. 142 When his gold-laced hat veiled its splendour before the fresher mounted beavers of the 'prentices of Dr. Grey.

b. To strike or cast down. rare.

ΘΚΠ

the world > movement > motion in a certain direction > downward motion > causing to come or go down > cause to come or go down [verb (transitive)] > bring to the ground/lay low

layc888

afelleOE

to throw downa1250

groundc1275

to lay to ground, to earth (Sc. at eird)c1275

stoopc1275

evena1382

abatec1390

to bring downa1400

falla1400

welt?a1400

throwa1450

tumble1487

succumb1490

strewa1500

vaila1592

flat1607

level1614

floor1642

to fetch down1705

drop1726

supplant1751

a1592 R. Greene Hist. Orlando Furioso (1594) sig. G3 Then maist thou think that Mars himself Came down to vaile thy plumes, and heaue thee from thy pompe.

II. intransitive.

†5.

a. To fall (down); to descend. Obsolete.

ΘΚΠ

the world > movement > motion in a certain direction > downward motion > move downwards [verb (intransitive)]

styc825

astyc975

alightOE

to fall adownOE

hieldc1275

downcomea1300

sink?a1300

avalec1374

to go downa1375

to come downc1380

dipc1390

descenda1393

clinea1400

declinea1400

downc1400

inclinec1400

vailc1400

fallc1440

devall1477

condescendc1485

to get down1567

lower1575

dismount1579

to fall down1632

down?1701

demount1837

c1400 Rowland & O. 497 A quartere of his helme a-waye gane vale, And halfen-dele his one Ere.

?a1412 J. Lydgate Fabula Duorum Merc. 542 Thus is he valyd adoun from high degre.

1570 (c1478) Hary Actis & Deidis Schir William Wallace (Lekprevik) viii. 1189 The donk dew doun fra the heuin did vaill.

1605 J. Sylvester tr. G. de S. Du Bartas Deuine Weekes & Wks. i. iii. 82 When, through Heaun's Vault vailing toward Spayn, The Moone descendeth.

1605 J. Sylvester tr. G. de S. Du Bartas Deuine Weekes & Wks. i. vii. 233 Heere vailes a Valley, there doth rise a Mountaine.

a1625 J. Fletcher Wife for Moneth iii. iii, in F. Beaumont & J. Fletcher Comedies & Trag. (1647) sig. Gggggg4^v/1 His jollity is downe, valed to the ground Sir, And his high hopes..Are turn'd tormentors to him.

†b. Of a swelling: To go down, subside. Obsolete.

ΘΚΠ

the world > health and disease > healing > recovery > process of healing of an injury, etc. > of injury, etc.: heal [verb (intransitive)] > of swelling: go down

unbolnea1425

vail?c1450

fall1565

flat1670

detumefy1684

?c1450 Life St. Cuthbert (1891) l. 4261 He laide þe hare on his eye lidd, Abouen þe bolnyng... Be fore þe mete, it vale.

†c. Of a storm: To abate, cease. Obsolete. rare.

ΘΚΠ

the world > the earth > weather and the atmosphere > weather > fine weather > [verb (intransitive)] > become calm (of weather or the elements) > abate (of storm)

scarce1390

overblowa1393

vail1606

spend1678

1606 J. Sylvester tr. P. Mathieu Tropheis in Henry IV 235 in Wks. (Grosart) II. 241 The Stormes that long disturb'd the State are val'd.

6. Of a bonnet or banner: To be doffed or lowered in token of respect or submission.

ΘΚΠ

the world > textiles and clothing > clothing > types or styles of clothing > headgear > [verb (intransitive)] > be removed

vailc1550

vailed1591

the mind > attention and judgement > esteem > respect > respect or show respect [verb (intransitive)] > bare head > be doffed

vailc1550

the world > movement > motion in a certain direction > downward motion > causing to come or go down > cause to come or go down [verb (intransitive)] > lower > be lowered in submission or respect

abatea1387

vailc1550

society > authority > subjection > obedience > submissiveness > submission > submit [verb (intransitive)] > perform act of submission > of a bonnet or banner

vailc1550

c1550 A pore helpe 214 in W. C. Hazlitt Remains Early Pop. Poetry Eng. III. 260 And telles them suche a tale As makes theyr bonettes vale.

a1648 W. Percy Cuck-queanes & Cuckolds Errants (1824) iv. i. 48 Cause your Friggats Bonnets to wayle.

1742 A. Pope New Dunciad 199 His Hat, which never vail'd to human pride, Walker with rev'rence took, and laid aside.

1826 M. W. Shelley Last Man II. i. 15 The inhabitants in thousands were assembled to give him hail,..the soldiery presented arms, the banners vailed.

†7. To drop or sail down stream or with the tide. Also with down. Obsolete.

ΘΚΠ

society > travel > travel by water > directing or managing a ship > use of tides > [verb (intransitive)] > go with or take advantage of tide

vail1544

avalea1547

to tide it1627

drop1790

to tide one's way1827

1544 in State Papers Henry VIII (1849) X. 118 Our other shippes, which be already valed.

?a1554 H. Willoughby in R. Hakluyt Princ. Navigations (1589) ii. 267 We departed from Detford, passing by Greenewich..& so valed vnto Blackewall.

1589 T. Southam in R. Hakluyt Princ. Navigations ii. 392 Wee departed..before sunne rising, and valed down the riuer sometime sailing, and sometime rowing.

†8. To bow or bend down to the ground in obeisance or salutation. Obsolete. rare.

ΘΚΠ

the mind > attention and judgement > esteem > respect > respect or show respect [verb (intransitive)] > bow, kneel, or curtsey

loutc825

abowOE

bowa1000

kneel?a1000

kneec1000

crookc1320

to bow the knee1382

inclinec1390

crouchc1394

croukc1394

coucha1500

plya1500

to make or do courtesy1508

beck1535

to make a (long, low, etc.) leg1548

curtsya1556

dopc1557

binge1562

jouk1567

beckon1578

benda1586

humblea1592

vaila1593

to scrape a leg1602

congee1606

to give the stoop1623

leg1628

scrape1645

to drop a curtsy1694

salaam1698

boba1794

dip1818

to make (also perform) a cheese1834

a1593 C. Marlowe Hero & Leander (1598) i. sig. Biij There Hero..Vaild to the ground, vailing her eie-lids close, And modestly they opened as she rose.

III. absol.

†9. Nautical. To lower the sail. (Cf. 3.) Also in figurative context. Obsolete.

ΘΚΠ

society > travel > travel by water > directing or managing a ship > use of sails, spars, or rigging > support (an amount of) sail [verb (intransitive)] > reduce sail > lower sail

vail1512

1512 in T. Rymer Fœdera (1712) XIII. 330 No Vessell of the Flete vale or plukke doun his Saill unto such tyme as the Admiral hath valed.

c1592 C. Marlowe Jew of Malta ii. ii Because we vail'd not to the Turkish Fleet.

1602 B. Jonson Poetaster iii. iv. sig. F What'l hee saile by, and not once strike, or vaile to a Man of warre?

1650 A. Weldon Court & Char. King James 49 A Dutch Man of Warre comming by that Ship, would not vail, as the manner is, acknowledging by that, our Soveraignty over the Sea.

10. To doff or take off the cap or hat (to a person, etc.).

ΘΚΠ

the world > textiles and clothing > clothing > providing with clothing > undressing or removing clothing > undress or remove clothing [verb (intransitive)] > remove specific garments > headgear

disvisor1548

capa1555

unmask1562

vail1597

off-capa1616

unbonnet1810

uncap1875

uncasque1880

1600 B. Jonson Every Man out of his Humor v. iii. sig. Piii 1 Cup... The health of that Honorable Countesse... 2. I do vail to it with reuerence.

1632 P. Massinger Emperour of East i. ii. sig. C2^v I haue..set downe To a haires breadth, how low a new stamp'd courtier May vaile to a country Gentleman.

a1657 G. Daniel Poems (1878) I. 214 Hee [Herbert] the vtmost Fame Has gain'd; and now they vaile, to heare Him Sing.

c1700 J. Pomfret Dies Novissima in Poems (1736) 9 Straight I finish'd—veiling low.

1753 S. Richardson Hist. Sir Charles Grandison II. iv. 39 I would sooner veil to such a Man as this than to a King on his throne.

a1845 R. H. Barham Lord of Thoulouse in Ingoldsby Legends (1847) 3rd Ser. 186 Knights..Before Count Raymond bend the knee, And vail to him.

in extended use.1597 J. Lyly Woman in Moone v. i The Iocund trees that vald when she came neare, And..Did seeme to say, ‘Pandora is our Queene’.

11.

a. figurative. To submit, yield, give place to (or unto); to acknowledge the superiority or supremacy of.In frequent use by 17th cent. divines.

ΘΚΠ

society > authority > subjection > obedience > submissiveness > submission > submit to [verb (transitive)]

undergangc1000

undergoc1175

abidec1275

bidec1275

shootc1275

undergoc1315

submit1397

incline?a1400

vail1610

cede1633

defer1686

1610 P. Holland tr. W. Camden Brit. i. 301 All rivers else beside Vaile unto me.

1627 G. Hakewill Apologie iv. viii. 368 To Cæsars Amphitheater all other workes must vaile.

a1677 I. Barrow Of Love of God (1680) 77 These indeed are lofty commendations thereof, yet all of them may worthily veil to this.

1706 D. Defoe Jure Divino x. 20 Vail Satyr to the mighty Edward's Fame.

1779 T. Hutchinson Diary II. 243 The Ministry vail to every measure to humour the people.

1816 L. Murray Eng. Gram. Illustr. (ed. 3) I. App. iii. i. 525 They all vail to the English idiom, and scruple not to acknowledge its superiority over their own.

b. To do homage to one.

ΘΚΠ

the mind > attention and judgement > esteem > respect > respect or show respect [verb (intransitive)]

to make feasta1325

vail1509

vail1609

to know one's distancea1616

Schweik1973

1609 W. Shakespeare Pericles xv. 29 When She would with rich and constant pen, Vaile to her Mistresse Dian.

Derivatives

ˈvailing adj.

ΘΚΠ

the world > movement > motion in a certain direction > downward motion > [adjective]

descendantc1429

downwith1488

downward1552

vailinga1639

down1642

descending1700

dipping1817

downcoming1922

a1639 H. Wotton Reliquiæ Wottonianæ (1672) 386 Where surging flouds and valing ebbs can tell That none beyond thy marks must sink or swell.

This entry has not yet been fully updated (first published 1916; most recently modified version published online June 2022).

† vailv.³

Forms: In 1600s vaile.

Etymology: < vail n.¹ 8.

Obsolete. rare.

absol. To give vails or gratuities.

ΘΚΠ

society > trade and finance > fees and taxes > payment for labour or service > paying (money) for labour or service > pay (money) for labour or service [verb (intransitive)] > give tips

vail1609

tip1728

1609 B. Jonson Case is Alterd ii. sig. C3^v Why now you come neere him sir, he doth vaile, He doth remunerate.

This entry has not yet been fully updated (first published 1916; most recently modified version published online June 2021).

n.¹c1430

n.²1609

v.¹?a1300

v.²c1330

v.³1609

单词	vail
释义	vailn.¹ Brit. /veɪl/, U.S. /veɪl/ Forms: α. Middle English vayll(e, Middle English–1600s vayle, 1500s waylle; Middle English Scottish waill(e, waile, 1500s–1600s vaile, 1500s– vail (1500s Scottish vaill), 1800s dialect vaail; 1500s veyle, 1600s veile, 1700s veil. β. Middle English–1800s vale. Etymology: < vail v.¹ Compare avail n. Now archaic or dialect. I. Senses relating to profit or advantage. †1. a. Advantage, benefit, profit. Obsolete. ΘΚΠ the world > action or operation > advantage > [noun] fremea700 redeeOE noteeOE goodOE goodnessOE framec1175 winc1175 bihevec1230 behoofc1275 advantagec1300 prowc1300 wellc1300 wainc1315 profita1325 bewaynec1375 vantagec1380 goodshipc1390 prewa1400 steada1400 benefice1426 vailc1430 utilityc1440 of availc1450 prevaila1460 fordeal1470 winning1477 encherishingc1480 benefit1512 booty1581 emolument1633 handhold1655 withgate1825 cui bono1836 c1430 J. Lydgate Minor Poems (Percy Soc.) 9 God send also unto thy most vayle..A spiryt, a strenghte, and of good counsaylle. c1450 Mirk's Festial 76 For, what maner vertu þat a man haue, but yf he be yn charyte, hit stondys him in no vayle. 1488 (c1478) Hary Actis & Deidis Schir William Wallace (Adv.) (1968–9) v. l. 201 He wyst no waill thar langar for to bide. c1500 in W. Denton Eng. in 15th Cent. (1888) 318 He to kepe vnder yowre tenants and haue all the vayle and thay the burdyn. c1500 in W. Denton Eng. in 15th Cent. (1888) 318 [To] destroy the cherch & the towne for a lytell vayle to yowre place. c1547 Vox Populi iv, in J. Skelton Poet. Wks. (1843) II. 405 Lett marchantmen goe sayle For that ys ther trwe waylle. 1550 R. Crowley One & Thyrtye Epigrammes sig. Biv At Paryse garden..a man shall not fayle, To fynde two or thre hundredes for the bearwardes vaile. b. dialect. Advance, progress. ΚΠ a1847 Isle of Wight Gloss. (E.D.S.) (at cited word) Thee dosn't zim to meyak much vaail. †2. of (..) vail, of profit, value, or worth. Obsolete. Chiefly Scottish. ΚΠ c1450 Mirk's Festial 262 Þeras he was wont..to speke mony an ydull worde and of no vayle, aftyr he turnet al his speche ynto profyt. 1475 in 3rd Rep. Royal Comm. Hist. MSS (1872) App. 418 in Parl. Papers (C. 673) XXXIII. 337 Sayand that the brocht that Master Thomas..fand is of vayll and the brocht that I..fand..is of na wayll. 1488 (c1478) Hary Actis & Deidis Schir William Wallace (Adv.) (1968–9) i. l. 167 The byschoprykis that war of gretast waile Thai tuk in hand. 1535 W. Stewart tr. H. Boethius Bk. Cron. Scotl. (1858) II. 136 Quhen he considderit haill The Britis war bot of sa litill vaill. †3. Scottish. Value or worth; account, estimation. ΘΚΠ the mind > attention and judgement > judgement or decision > evaluation, estimation, appraisal > [noun] weenc888 rightnessOE steemc1330 sight1362 witc1374 emprisea1393 reputation?c1400 apprizingc1449 nick?a1450 vail1471 countc1475 opinionc1480 estimationc1522 meting1548 reckoning1548 valuation1548 computation1558 account1583 cess1588 esteem1598 appreciation1605 resentiment1606 repute1610 ratea1616 assessmenta1626 estimate1637 vote1639 supputation1643 compute1646 value1651 resentment1655 contemplation1673 critique1798 appraisement1808 appraisal1817 viewa1854 sizing up1967 chit1989 the mind > goodness and badness > quality of being good > worth > [noun] worthOE worthfulnessOE price?c1225 savour?c1225 aughtshipc1275 dearworthinessc1325 worthiness1372 preciousnessc1390 richesa1400 preciosity1402 valeur1433 valurec1440 preciousheadc1450 vail1471 paragea1475 valour?a1475 availa1522 vailance1532 validity1593 carat1600 condignity1605 valiant1606 esteeming1609 self-worth1610 telling1636 valuableness?1649 worthship1664 treasurableness1898 1471 Acta Audit. 11/1 And gif þai oxin be of mare vale, he to restor again þe Remanent. 1480 Acta Dom. Conc. (1839) 52/1 Henry to pay to þe said sir edward sa mekle as þe said teind was of vale. 1535 W. Stewart tr. H. Boethius Bk. Cron. Scotl. (1858) I. 98 Als force it is no tyme to him to faill, And lufe all thing ay efter the awin vaill. 1567 Compend. Bk. Godly Songs (1897) 74 Than man I..my Goddis name manesweir, And set him at full lytill vaill. II. Senses relating to salary or perquisites, and related uses. 4. a. A casual or occasional profit or emolument in addition to salary, stipend, wages, or other regular payment, esp. one accruing or attached to an office or position; a fee or offering of this nature. Usually in plural. Now archaic or Obsolete.The plural is occasionally found construed as a singular. ΘΠ society > trade and finance > management of money > income, revenue, or profit > [noun] > personal income or acquired wealth > casually or incidentally acquired feec1405 obventionc1425 availc1449 perquisitive?c1450 vailc1450 vantagea1470 perquisite1567 fee-bucka1643 casual1825 perk1869 side benefit1873 c1450 Godstow Reg. 648 The half of all offerynges & vayles of the auter. c1450 Godstow Reg. 648 The offrynges & the vaylys of fowre days by the yere. c1460 Oseney Reg. 113 A..chapeleyne, þe which shall take all þe obuencions (or vayles) of þe Auter of þe same chapell. 1550 T. Lever in J. Strype Eccl. Memorials (1721) II. 103 The number of the stock reserved, all manner of vails beside. 1570 J. Foxe Actes & Monumentes (rev. ed.) I. f. 369^v/2 The Church of S. Helene,..which was then estemed worth an hundreth Marks by yeare, besides other vayles and commodities belongyng to the same. 1618 P. Holderus tr. J. van Oldenbarneveld Barneuel's Apol. sig. Fiij^v Out of the wages allowed by the citie with other veiles I could wel-nigh maintaine my family. 1645 E. Pagitt Heresiogr. 71 Our vails for burials & christnings, is..ceast. 1712 J. Arbuthnot Lewis Baboon iv. vi. 26 For, he would quickly lick himself whole again by his Vails. 1728 J. Swift Intelligencer (1729) No. 7. 59 His Revenue (beside Vales) amounted to about thirty Pounds a Year. 1834 T. B. Macaulay Earl of Chatham in Ess. (1897) 300 These ignominious vails Pitt resolutely declined. figurative and in extended use.1608 E. Topsell Hist. Serpents 50 To shew that minds and tongues with Learnings brand, Are blest with plenty in all wordly vayles.1694 J. Crowne Regulus v. 54 You scorn those scorns which always are the vales Of that unlucky Office [i.e. of a spy]. b. A dole or gratuity given to one in an inferior position. (Cf. sense 5.) ΘΚΠ the mind > possession > giving > gift or present > [noun] > gift made by superior loana1240 warison1338 gratuity1540 vail1622 1622 J. Taylor Very Merry Wherry-Ferry Voy. in Wks. (1630) 13 Let Trencher-Poets scrape for such base vailes, I'l take an Oare in hand when writing failes. 1693 J. Dryden tr. Juvenal in J. Dryden et al. tr. Juvenal Satires i. 10 Since our Knights and Senators account To what their sordid begging Vails amount. 1863 W. W. Story Roba di Roma iii. 45 There are festivals and ceremonials where the people demand as of right certain vails and presents called mancie and propine. c. A gift or present in the nature of a bribe. ΘΚΠ society > trade and finance > fees and taxes > illegal payment or exaction > [noun] > bribe gift1382 handy-dandyc1390 pricec1400 bud1436 bribe?a1439 golden (also silver) keyc1450 fee1549 golden shower1589 oil of angels1592 sugar-plum1608 bribera1616 palm oil1625 greasinga1661 sop1665 sweetbreada1670 vail1687 douceur1739 sweetener1741 bonus1759 buckshee1773 smear-gelt1785 grease1823 boodle?1856 soap1860 ice1887 palm-grease1897 poultice1902 fix1929 dropsy1930 pay-off1930 drop1931 oil1935 squeeze-pidgin1946 sling1948 bung1958 back-hander1960 1687 A. Lovell tr. J. de Thévenot Trav. into Levant i. 253 Not reckoning a great many other Vails that are to be given every day almost to the Sous-Basha and several other knaves. 1886 C. Dick Model & Other Poems 80 The Custom House they passed with smile and tributary vail. 5. A gratuity given to a servant or attendant; a tip; spec. one of those given by a visitor on his departure to the servants of the house in which he has been a guest. Now archaic. a. In plural.In the 17th and 18th centuries servants were largely paid by these gratuities, and the practice of giving them is frequently alluded to in the literature of the period. The word is recorded in various midland dialect glossaries, but usually as obsolescent. ΘΚΠ society > trade and finance > fees and taxes > payment for labour or service > [noun] > tip bountethc1440 gratitude1535 vail1605 gratulance1608 gratilitya1616 spill1675 baksheesh1686 simony1707 perquisite1721 tip1755 grace1769 buckshee1773 mancia1798 bonus1834 pouch1880 gravy1910 étrenne1928 sling1948 small1962 toke1971 α. 1605 London Prodigall ii. iv Artichoke [servant to Sir Launcelot]. Our yeares wages and our vailes will scarcely pay for broken swords and bucklers. 1659 J. Milton Considerations touching Hirelings 71 Why should he, like a servant, seek vailes over and above his wages? 1745 J. Swift Direct. to Servants 14 I advise you of the Servants..who expect Vales, always to stand Rank and File when a Stranger is taking his Leave. 1766 R. Griffith & E. Griffith Lett. Henry & Frances IV. 157 An Agreement entered into among the Gentlemen of several Counties in Ireland, not to give Vails to Servants. 1778 T. Hutchinson Diary II. 218 One custom they kept up, which is laid down almost everywhere else—they allow their servants to take vails. 1823 Spirit of Public Jrnls. 107 If you tell tales, My son shall your place have, and pocket your vails. 1859 W. M. Thackeray Virginians i The lacqueys rose up from their cards to open the door to him, in order to get their ‘vails’. 1904 Times 20 Aug. 12/6 English visitors measure their vails..with discretion..in America. figurative.1635 R. Sanderson Two Serm. S. Pauls Crosse & Grantham i. 49 These things among other the servant of God may certainely reckon upon, as the certaine vailes and benefits of his service.1742 E. Young Complaint: Night the First 18 Time lodg'd in their own hands is Folly's Vails.in combination.1760 (title) The Sentiments and Advice of Thos. Trueman, a Footman, setting forth the Custom of Vails-Giving in England.1860 S. Smiles Self-help (new ed.) vii. 188 One of the minor social evils..was the custom of what was called vails giving.β. 1716 J. Addison Drummer ii. 21 But. Rare News, my Lads, rare News! Gard. What's the Matter? hast thou got any more Vales for us?a1763 W. Shenstone Odes in Wks. (1765) 197 Phoo—how she stands—biting her nails—As tho' she play'd for half her vales.1823 A. Clarke Mem. Wesley Family 453 Vales to servants, that sovereign disgrace to their masters.1878 W. E. H. Lecky Hist. Eng. 18th Cent. I. iv. 571 The system of vales which made servants in a great degree independent of their masters.1894 S. J. Weyman Man in Black 116 They expect their vales at those places. b. In singular. rare. Π 1682 G. Wheler Journey into Greece ii. 192 There are commonly Attendance, who, for a small Vale, will provide you such things as you have Occasion for. 1807 R. C. Hoare Tour Ireland 329 The vale or parting token, which the menial servants still in many houses expect. 1866 London Rev. 7 Apr. 337/2 Calling for the bill, and settling it off-hand was pleasant, but the vail to the waiter was delicious. 6. plural = perquisite n. 3c. Now rare.In early use applied to the remnants of material left over by a tailor after making a garment or suit. ΘΚΠ the mind > possession > acquisition > [noun] > that which is obtained or acquired > as a perquisite vail1592 perquisitec1709 perk1869 society > trade and finance > management of money > income, revenue, or profit > [noun] > personal income or acquired wealth > casually or incidentally acquired > as thing left to servant or subordinate as right vail1592 perquisitec1709 fringe benefit1952 1592 R. Greene Quip for Vpstart Courtier sig. D^v He is paide for his workmanship, vnlesse by misfortune his shieres slippe awrye, and then his vales is but a shred of homespunne cloth. 1592 R. Greene Quip for Vpstart Courtier sig. D^v The vales of one veluet breech is more then twenty paire of mine. 1612 T. Taylor Αρχὴν Ἁπάντων: Comm. Epist. Paul to Titus i. 7 All that is gotten..by stealth or vailes, whereby men vnconscionably shape out their owne commoditie out of another mans cloth. a1658 J. Cleveland Wks. (1687) 75 By the same title as the upper Garment is the Vails of the Executioner. 1677 Compl. Servant-maid 114 Do not covet to have the Kitching Stuff for your Vales, but rather ask the more wages. 1731 H. Fielding Letter-writers iii. iii. 37 Where Ladies govern there are Secrets, and where there are Secrets there are Vails—I liv'd with a Lady once who used to give her Cloths away every Month. a1732 J. Gay Fables (1738) II. xi. 100 A Carrier..Would see his horses eat their corn: This sunk the hostler's vails, 'tis true; But then his horses had their due. 1821 W. Scott Kenilworth III. xi. 216 These tell-tale articles must not remain here—they are rather too rich vails for the drudges who dress the chamber. 1890 J. D. Robertson Gloss. Words County of Gloucester (at cited word) The malter did always get the malt-dust for his vails. figurative.1659 Owen Epigr. No. 34 Things only proper unto Males, The Female Sex claim as their Vales. This entry has not yet been fully updated (first published 1916; most recently modified version published online December 2021). † vailn.² Etymology: < vail v.² Obsolete. rare. The going down or setting of the sun. ΘΚΠ the world > time > day and night > day or daytime > evening > [noun] > sunset sunsetOE settle-gangc1000 evensongc1330 sun going downa1382 setc1386 decline14.. sun restc1405 sun gate down1440 sunsetting1440 sun sitting?a1475 falling1555 sunsetting1575 downsetting1582 sunfall1582 declining1588 sun go down1595 tramontation1599 vail1609 daylight gate1613 sundown1620 set of day1623 dayset1633 day shutting1673 sky setting1683 sun-under1865 1609 W. Shakespeare Troilus & Cressida v. ix. 7 Loke..How ougly night comes breathing at his heeles Euen with the vaile and darkning of the Sunne. View more context for this quotation This entry has not yet been fully updated (first published 1916; most recently modified version published online June 2021). † vailv.¹ Forms: α. Middle English uaile, Middle English uaille, Middle English uayle, Middle English vaill, Middle English vaille, Middle English vale, Middle English wail, Middle English wayle, Middle English waylle, Middle English–1500s vayl, Middle English–1500s vaylle, Middle English–1600s vail, Middle English–1600s vaile, Middle English–1600s vayle, 1500s vayll, 1500s waill, 1800s 'vail (poetic); Scottish pre-1700 vail, pre-1700 vaill, pre-1700 vale, pre-1700 vayle, pre-1700 waill. β. northern Middle English vaily; Scottish pre-1700 vailȝe, pre-1700 vailye, pre-1700 valeye, pre-1700 valȝe, pre-1700 velȝe, pre-1700 wailȝe, pre-1700 welȝe. Origin: A borrowing from French. Etymons: French vailer, vailler. Etymology: < Anglo-Norman vailer, vailler, Anglo-Norman and Old French valeir, Anglo-Norman and Old French, Middle French valoir (strong stem vail- , vaill- ; French valoir ) to be worth (c1050), to be the equal of (c1100), to aid, assist, help (c1100), to prevail (early 12th cent. in Anglo-Norman), to be of use, advantage, or profit (a1174; also impersonal), to keep well, prosper (c1185 in Anglo-Norman in imperative), to be mighty or powerful, to be effectual (mid 13th cent. in Anglo-Norman), to be legally valid (a1300 in Anglo-Norman), to be of value or worth (early 14th cent. in Anglo-Norman) < classical Latin valēre to be strong, to be worth (see valent adj.). Compare avail v.The β. forms reflect French palatal l, which was initially retained in northern Middle English and Older Scots. Obsolete. 1. a. transitive. To be of use, advantage, or benefit to (a person); to aid, assist, help. Also with non-referential it as subject. Frequently in negative or interrogative constructions. Cf. avail v. 2a. ΘΚΠ the world > action or operation > advantage > be advantageous or beneficial to [verb (transitive)] helpc1000 goodOE steadc1175 to do (one) boot?c1225 advancec1330 profitc1330 availc1384 servea1398 vaila1400 vailc1400 prevail1442 advantage?1459 vantagec1460 bootc1540 benefit1549 conduce?1577 to serve (one) in some, no stead1601 bonify1603 answer1756 better1833 to stand to ——1841 to stand (a person or thing) in (good, etc.) stead1887 ?a1300 Dame Sirith l. 188 in G. H. McKnight Middle Eng. Humorous Tales (1913) 9 He saide me..Þat þou me couþest helpe and uaile..Þoru þine crafftes. a1400 (a1325) Cursor Mundi (Vesp.) l. 3640 Bot þou sal do sun mi consail, Wel i wat it sal þe wail. a1400 (a1325) Cursor Mundi (Vesp.) l. 26147 If þou be stad in suilk a nede For mikel may þe wail þis dede. a1450 (c1410) H. Lovelich Hist. Holy Grail lii. l. 900 His defens ne vailled him not sekerly. 1517 S. Hawes Pastime of Pleasure (new ed.) i. 7 It vayled not the bodye for to dispose Against the head. ?1567 M. Parker Whole Psalter xvi. 30 My goodes can vayle thee nought. 1593 T. Lodge Life & Death William Long Beard sig. C^v What vailes me to compose As many verses as Homer did make? 1695 H. Killigrew tr. Martial Epigrams ii. 58 What vails it thee to make thy Slave a Mute? 1813 W. Scott Rokeby ii. 93 What 'vail'd it him, that brightly played The morning sun on Mortham's glade? b. intransitive. To be of use, advantage, or profit; to be beneficial; to have value or worth. Frequently with non-referential it as subject, often with infinitive complement. Chiefly in negative or interrogative constructions. Cf. avail v. 2c. ΘΚΠ the world > action or operation > advantage > be advantageous or beneficial [verb (intransitive)] dowc950 frameOE fremeOE helpc1000 gainc1175 holdc1175 vail1303 yainc1325 it is speedfulc1340 profit1340 speedc1380 prowa1400 bootc1400 prevailc1450 avail1489 mister1490 skill1528 stead1594 advantagea1616 conduce1624 the world > action or operation > advantage > be advantageous or beneficial to [verb (transitive)] helpc1000 goodOE steadc1175 to do (one) boot?c1225 advancec1330 profitc1330 availc1384 servea1398 vaila1400 vailc1400 prevail1442 advantage?1459 vantagec1460 bootc1540 benefit1549 conduce?1577 to serve (one) in some, no stead1601 bonify1603 answer1756 better1833 to stand to ——1841 to stand (a person or thing) in (good, etc.) stead1887 c1330 (?a1300) Sir Tristrem (1886) l. 1448 Wiþ a spere feloun He smot him in þe side; It no vailed o botoun. a1393 J. Gower Confessio Amantis (Fairf.) vii. l. 144 Thurgh this science it is ful soght, Which vaileth and which vaileth noght. a1400 (c1303) R. Mannyng Handlyng Synne (Harl.) l. 9471 Yn erytage nat long hyt vayleþ, Þe þred eyre leseþ, þat ouþer trauayleþ. c1400 (?c1380) Cleanness (1977) l. 1311 Of such vessel auayed, þat vayled so huge, Neuer ȝet nas Nabugodenoȝar er þenne. a1425 (a1400) Prick of Conscience (Galba & Harl.) (1863) l. 3646 Ay, whiles he es in dedly syn, His help vailles noght, bot es in vayne. a1425 (?a1400) G. Chaucer Romaunt Rose (Hunterian) (1891) l. 5765 To hym not vailith his preching. c1460 (?c1400) Tale of Beryn l. 3883 ‘What vaylith it,’ quod hanybald, ‘to angir or to curs?’ a1500 in R. H. Robbins Hist. Poems 14th & 15th Cent. (1959) 170 And yet when such cloth ys all ywrowte, To the maker it waylyth lytyll or nowȝtte. 1568 T. Howell Arbor of Amitie f. 24^v What vailes the glittring Golde, when loue is forcde to flee. 1592 W. Wyrley Capitall de Buz in True Vse Armorie 119 What booteth it of Gentries brag to boast, What vaileth it, old ensignes foorth to show? 1601 J. Weever Mirror of Martyrs sig. Ej What vaileth it a lion be a king Closely shut vp within this tower of stone. 2. intransitive. Law. To be legally valid. Cf. avail v. 5. ΚΠ a1325 Statutes of Realm (Rawl. B.520) (2019) xliii. 5 Hit nas noȝt freo tenement to þe eir, for hit ne mai noȝt ben assembled þoru riȝt, ne þe coniunccion ne uaillez noȝt so ase þe seisede mai repelen, ne þe venquissinge ne uailez noȝt bote ȝif hit were aioined þoru riȝt. 3. intransitive. To have might or power; to prevail. ΘΚΠ the world > action or operation > prosperity > success > mastery or superiority > have or gain mastery, superiority, or advantage [verb (intransitive)] risec1175 to have the higher handa1225 to have the besta1393 bettera1400 vaila1400 to win or achieve a checka1400 surmount1400 prevaila1425 to have (also get) the better handa1470 to go away with it1489 to have the besta1500 to have (also get, etc.) the better (or worse) end of the staff1542 to have ita1616 to have (also get) the laugh on one's side1672 top1718 beat1744 to get (also have) the right end of the stick1817 to have the best of1846 to go one better1856 a1400 (a1325) Cursor Mundi (Vesp.) l. 7375 His faas sal noght a-gain him wail [Fairf. vaily], For him ne his sal i noghil. Phrases vail that vail might: whatever happens; come what may. [After Anglo-Norman vaille qe vailler purra and Middle French vaille que vaille (see vail que vail phr.).] ΘΚΠ the world > existence and causation > occurrence > future events > [phrase] > whatever may happen sink or swimc1410 vail that vail mightc1475 a1500 Partenay (Trin. Cambr.) l. 2672 Vail that vail might, the monkys brend so. This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, September 2022). vailv.² Brit. /veɪl/, U.S. /veɪl/ Forms: α. Middle English–1600s vale. β. 1500s–1600s vayl(e, vaill, vaile, 1500s– vail, 1600s wayle. γ. 1500s veile, 1600s–1800s veil. Etymology: < Old French valer (rare), or aphetic < avale v. Now archaic. I. transitive. 1. a. To lower (a weapon, banner, etc.); to cause or allow to descend or sink. ΘΚΠ the world > movement > motion in a certain direction > downward motion > causing to come or go down > cause to come or go down [verb (transitive)] > lower or let down abeyOE fellOE to let down1154 lowc1330 vailc1330 revalec1475 to let fallc1500 bate1530 stoop1530 down1595 fall1595 embase1605 dismount1609 lower1626 sink1632 prostratea1718 c1330 R. Mannyng Chron. Wace (Rolls) 12384 Þat swerd he lifte wel on hey, & valede his scheld a party. 1600 E. Fairfax tr. T. Tasso Godfrey of Bulloigne xx. xlii. 371 She broake and cleft the crowne, and caus'd him vaile His proud and loftie top. 1610 G. Fletcher Christs Victorie 36 But all so soone as heau'n his browes doth bend, Shee veils her banners, and pulls in her beames. 1864 W. W. Skeat tr. J. L. Uhland Songs & Ballads 234 Faint with toil, he vails his spear. b. spec. To lower in sign of submission or respect. ΘΚΠ the world > movement > motion in a certain direction > downward motion > causing to come or go down > cause to come or go down [verb (transitive)] > lower or let down > in submission or respect vail1599 society > authority > subjection > obedience > submissiveness > submission > submit to [verb (transitive)] > bend or lower in submission bowa1400 vail1599 1599 George a Greene sig. G2 If any aske a reason why? or how? Say, English Edward vaild his staffe to you. 1616 J. Lane Contin. Squire's Tale v. 331 At whose approche th' whole armie veild their pikes, soldiers and officers on knees down strikes. 1651 W. Davenant Gondibert i. i. 68 They vayl'd their Ensignes as it by did move. 1687 A. Lovell tr. J. de Thévenot Trav. into Levant i. 289 The besieged begged Quarter, veiled their Standards and Colours, as a sign that they submitted to the Discretion of the Sultan. c. To lower or cast down (the eyes); to bend, bow down (the head, etc.); to hang (the tail). ΘΚΠ the world > space > relative position > posture > position of specific body parts > position specific body part [verb (transitive)] > head, face, or eyes warpc1175 lout1297 to smite downa1350 to cast downc1374 embowc1440 droop1582 vail1586 upturn1667 slink1683 poke1852 1586 J. Ferne Blazon of Gentrie 28 Which bird,..after he hath caste downe his eyes as ashamed at the lothsomnes of his feet, vayleth his taile and plucketh downe the pride of his plumes. 1594 T. Kyd tr. R. Garnier Cornelia v. 418 Valing your Christall eyes to your faire bosoms. 1638 F. Quarles Hieroglyphikes vii. 27 What dire disaster bred This Change? that thus she vailes her golden head? 1657 Lusts Dominion i. iii. sig. B6 I, vailing my knees to the cold earth. 1675 T. Plume Acct. Life & Death in J. Hacket Cent. Serm. p. xlvii The jolly Prelat..never stoopt nor vail'd his head. 1836 J. Keble Lyra Apost. 117 Voice of the wise of old! Go..teach proud Science where to vail her brow. 1859 Ld. Tennyson Guinevere in Idylls of King 259 Here her hand Grasp'd, made her vail her eyes: she look'd and saw The novice. †d. To throw down, give up or surrender (a purse). rare. ΘΚΠ the mind > possession > relinquishing > relinquish or give up [verb (transitive)] forsakec893 forlet971 to reach upOE agiveOE yield?c1225 uptake1297 up-yield1297 yield1297 deliverc1300 to-yielda1375 overgivec1384 grant1390 forbeara1400 livera1400 forgoc1400 upgive1415 permit1429 quit1429 renderc1436 relinquish1479 abandonc1485 to hold up?1499 enlibertyc1500 surrender1509 cess1523 relent1528 to cast up?1529 resignate1531 uprender1551 demit1563 disclaim1567 to fling up1587 to give up1589 quittance1592 vail1593 enfeoff1598 revoke1599 to give off1613 disownc1620 succumb1632 abdicate1633 delinquish1645 discount1648 to pass away1650 to turn off1667 choke1747 to jack up1870 chuck up (the sponge)1878 chuckc1879 unget1893 sling1902 to jack in1948 punt1966 to-leave- 1593 G. Peele Famous Chron. King Edward the First sig. H2^v Frier... And this sentence is..confirmed by our Lord Lluellen Prince of Wales, and Robin Hood of the great mountaines. Lluellen. So vaile your budgettes to Robin of the mountaine. 2. a. To doff or take off (a bonnet, hat, crown, or other head-dress), esp. out of respect or as a sign of submission. Also const. to or unto (a person, etc.). ΘΚΠ the world > textiles and clothing > clothing > providing with clothing > undressing or removing clothing > undress or remove clothing [verb (transitive)] > take off clothing > specific garments avalec1330 vailc1450 to gather offc1460 strip1607 unmufflea1652 to strip up1664 the mind > attention and judgement > esteem > respect > [verb (transitive)] > show respect for > uncover (the head) > remove (hat) vailc1450 society > authority > subjection > obedience > submissiveness > submission > submit to [verb (transitive)] > doff in submission vailc1450 α., β. c1450 (c1400) Emaré (1908) 992 When he mette the emperour, He valed his hode with gret honour. 1528 Rede me & be nott Wrothe sig. b i In every place wheare we were presente, They vayled their bonetis and bowed a kne. 1591 J. Lyly Endimion iii. iii. sig. E3 Hee..sayth, seeing it is the fashion of the world, hee will vaile bonet to beautie. 1600 E. Fairfax tr. T. Tasso Godfrey of Bulloigne ii. xlviii. 29 This said, the virgin gan her beauoir vale. 1655 H. L'Estrange Reign King Charles 11 His Speech being ended, the King vailed his Crown, a thing rare in any of his Predecessors. 1693 T. Urquhart & P. A. Motteux tr. F. Rabelais 3rd Bk. Wks. xliii. 356 Pantagruel vayling his Cap, and making a Leg with such a Majestick Garb,..farewell'd Trinquamelle the President. 1819 W. Scott Legend of Montrose viii, in Tales of my Landlord 3rd Ser. III. 304 The bonnets, which hitherto each Chief had worn..were now at once vailed in honour of the royal warrant. 1843 E. Bulwer-Lytton Last of Barons I. ii. ii. 176 The Earl acknowledged their greeting by vailing his plumed cap. γ. 1601 P. Holland tr. Pliny Hist. World II. 305 As for veiling bonnet before great rulers and magistrats, or within their sight [etc.].1603 T. Dekker 1603: Wonderfull Yeare sig. F1 Into which [alehouse] as good lucke was,..veiling his Bonnet, he strucke in.1740 W. Somervile Hobbinol ii. 279 He spake, And veil'd his Bonnet to the Crowd.1825 W. Scott Talisman xi, in Tales Crusaders IV. 220 The spiritual dignitaries, who in those days vailed not their bonnets to created thing, bestowed on the King..their blessing instead of obeisance. b. figurative with bonnet: To manifest submission; to acknowledge oneself overcome or surpassed; to yield, give way. (Cf. 3b.) ΚΠ 1579 S. Gosson Schoole of Abuse f. 42^v If you giue but a glance to your beholders, you haue vayled the bonnet in token of obedience. 1596 Raigne of Edward III sig. I4^v Copland..with a lowly minde, Doth vale the bonnet of his victory. View more context for this quotation 1609 P. Holland tr. Ammianus Marcellinus Rom. Hist. 360 My heart yerneth..to thinke how many right honourable personages in this unseemly..manner were debased and brought to vale bonet. 1626 in W. Foster Eng. Factories India 1624–9 (1909) 138 None is made so happy but he hath cause to vale the bonnett. 1739 R. Whatley Three Lett. 14 After the noted rupture in St. James's Square, he had so remarkably veil'd his bonnet. c. (As 2b.) To submit or yield, to show respect, to some person, etc. ΚΠ 1587 A. Fleming et al. Holinshed's Chron. (new ed.) III. 297/1 All christendome must veile the bonnet to his holinesse. 1590 ‘Pasquil’ First Pt. Pasquils Apol. sig. D^v All Schooles of Phylosophers shoulde haue vailed the bonet vnto God. 1611 T. Coryate Crudities sig. V6 Shee wil very neare benumme and captiuate thy senses, and make reason vale bonnet to affection. 1675 J. Smith Christian Relig. Appeal ii. 14 Therefore we see all the Grecian Philosophy that was not founded upon Tradition..veil'd the Bonnet to that of Pythagoras, Socrates and Plato. †3. a. Nautical. To lower, to let or haul down (a sail). ΘΚΠ society > travel > travel by water > directing or managing a ship > use of sails, spars, or rigging > carry specific amount of sail [verb (transitive)] > strike or take in (sails) > lower (sail) amain1541 vail1553 understrike?1615 settlea1625 douse1626 lower1626 1553 J. Brende tr. Q. Curtius Rufus Hist. ix. f. 188 The waues dyd ryse so hygh and thicke..that the shipmen beganne to vale their sayles. 1586 T. Bowes tr. P. de la Primaudaye French Acad. I. 372 In the meane while he taketh the helme into his hand, he vaileth the foresaile, and..laboureth to come out of the darke sea. a1661 W. Brereton Trav. (1844) 3 We vailed our topsail, and.. it being answered that we were of London and bound for Rotterdam, we were dismissed. figurative.1589 R. Greene Menaphon sig. C^v If he will her to keepe a low sayle, she will vayle al her sheete. b. esp. To lower as a salute or in acknowledgement of inferiority. Chiefly with bonnet as object. Sometimes figurative. (Cf. 2b.) ΘΚΠ the mind > attention and judgement > esteem > respect > respect or show respect [verb (intransitive)] to make feasta1325 vail1509 vail1609 to know one's distancea1616 Schweik1973 the mind > attention and judgement > esteem > respect > respect or show respect [verb (intransitive)] > lower sail, flag, or weapon strike1390 vail1509 to lower or strike one's flag1644 the mind > attention and judgement > esteem > respect > [verb (transitive)] > show respect for > lower (sail) vail1509 society > travel > travel by water > directing or managing a ship > use of sails, spars, or rigging > support (an amount of) sail [verb (intransitive)] > reduce sail > specific vail1509 amain1540 (a) 1509 S. Hawes Pastime of Pleasure xxxvi. xvi Her bonet she vayled, and gan to stryke sayle. a1529 J. Skelton Against Venemous Tongues in Wks. (1843) I. 133 Then let them vale a bonet of their proud sayle. 1560 J. Daus tr. J. Sleidane Commentaries f. ccclxiiij^v The french Captaine..signified vnto them that for honoure sake, after the olde accustomed facion, they shuld vaile their bonnets, strike saile, and hailse her with, shoting of their ordinaunce. 1613 S. Purchas Pilgrimage 730 Mysians, Troyans, Tyrians vaile your bonnets, strike your top-sailes to this Indian-Admirall. a1643 J. Burroughs Sovereignty Brit. Seas (1651) 62 Divers Ships..that have constantly kept the Narrow Seas, unto which all strangers even at this day vaile Bonnet in acknowlegement of this Superioritie. 1678 A. Marvell Acct. Growth Popery in Wks. (1875) IV. 282 The pretended causes [of war] were made publick, which were, the not having vailed bonnet to the English yacht [etc.]. (b)1631 T. Heywood Fair Maid of West: 1st Pt. iv. 47 It did me good To see the Spanish Carveile vaile her top Vnto my Maiden Flag.1653 H. Cogan tr. F. M. Pinto Voy. & Adventures xix. 68 In token of joy they gave a great shout, and withall vailing their top sails in shew of obedience. †4. figurative. a. To abase, humble, or lower (one's courage, the heart, etc.); to submit, subject, or yield (one thing) to (another). Obsolete. ΘΚΠ the mind > emotion > humility > make humble [verb (transitive)] edmodienc1175 lowc1175 meekc1175 lessa1382 abatec1390 abasea1393 belowc1400 meekenc1400 disadvance?c1425 simplec1450 lowlyc1485 humilea1492 chasten1526 to pare the nails ofa1549 lessen1579 vail1582 to take (something) a hole lower1591 destate1615 humblea1616 thorough-humblea1617 humiliate1656 level1712 unnichea1751 to level up, down1791 unpedestal1821 to take the starch out of1830 society > authority > subjection > obedience > submissiveness > submission > submit to [verb (transitive)] > submit one's neck, heart, etc., to underlaya1300 submit1543 vail1582 1582 R. Stanyhurst tr. Virgil First Foure Bookes Æneis iv. 68 Also let oure Dido vayle her hert too bedfeloe Troian. c1592 C. Marlowe Jew of Malta v. ii Now vaile your pride you captiue Christians. 1602 J. Davies Mirum in Modum sig. E4 Vaile, vaile thy thoughts, th' imaginations vaile, Vnto the depth of all profundities. 1649 Bp. J. Hall Resol. & Decisions i. i. 3 There can be no reason why you should vaile your owne just advantage to another mans excesse. 1654 J. Owen Doctr. Saints Persev. iv, in Wks. (1851) XI. 211 Expressing much confidence that the world of saints..will vail their faith and understanding to his dictates. 1827 W. Scott Surgeon's Daughter in Chron. Canongate 1st Ser. II. vi. 142 When his gold-laced hat veiled its splendour before the fresher mounted beavers of the 'prentices of Dr. Grey. b. To strike or cast down. rare. ΘΚΠ the world > movement > motion in a certain direction > downward motion > causing to come or go down > cause to come or go down [verb (transitive)] > bring to the ground/lay low layc888 afelleOE to throw downa1250 groundc1275 to lay to ground, to earth (Sc. at eird)c1275 stoopc1275 evena1382 abatec1390 to bring downa1400 falla1400 welt?a1400 throwa1450 tumble1487 succumb1490 strewa1500 vaila1592 flat1607 level1614 floor1642 to fetch down1705 drop1726 supplant1751 a1592 R. Greene Hist. Orlando Furioso (1594) sig. G3 Then maist thou think that Mars himself Came down to vaile thy plumes, and heaue thee from thy pompe. II. intransitive. †5. a. To fall (down); to descend. Obsolete. ΘΚΠ the world > movement > motion in a certain direction > downward motion > move downwards [verb (intransitive)] styc825 astyc975 alightOE to fall adownOE hieldc1275 downcomea1300 sink?a1300 avalec1374 to go downa1375 to come downc1380 dipc1390 descenda1393 clinea1400 declinea1400 downc1400 inclinec1400 vailc1400 fallc1440 devall1477 condescendc1485 to get down1567 lower1575 dismount1579 to fall down1632 down?1701 demount1837 c1400 Rowland & O. 497 A quartere of his helme a-waye gane vale, And halfen-dele his one Ere. ?a1412 J. Lydgate Fabula Duorum Merc. 542 Thus is he valyd adoun from high degre. 1570 (c1478) Hary Actis & Deidis Schir William Wallace (Lekprevik) viii. 1189 The donk dew doun fra the heuin did vaill. 1605 J. Sylvester tr. G. de S. Du Bartas Deuine Weekes & Wks. i. iii. 82 When, through Heaun's Vault vailing toward Spayn, The Moone descendeth. 1605 J. Sylvester tr. G. de S. Du Bartas Deuine Weekes & Wks. i. vii. 233 Heere vailes a Valley, there doth rise a Mountaine. a1625 J. Fletcher Wife for Moneth iii. iii, in F. Beaumont & J. Fletcher Comedies & Trag. (1647) sig. Gggggg4^v/1 His jollity is downe, valed to the ground Sir, And his high hopes..Are turn'd tormentors to him. †b. Of a swelling: To go down, subside. Obsolete. ΘΚΠ the world > health and disease > healing > recovery > process of healing of an injury, etc. > of injury, etc.: heal [verb (intransitive)] > of swelling: go down unbolnea1425 vail?c1450 fall1565 flat1670 detumefy1684 ?c1450 Life St. Cuthbert (1891) l. 4261 He laide þe hare on his eye lidd, Abouen þe bolnyng... Be fore þe mete, it vale. †c. Of a storm: To abate, cease. Obsolete. rare. ΘΚΠ the world > the earth > weather and the atmosphere > weather > fine weather > [verb (intransitive)] > become calm (of weather or the elements) > abate (of storm) scarce1390 overblowa1393 vail1606 spend1678 1606 J. Sylvester tr. P. Mathieu Tropheis in Henry IV 235 in Wks. (Grosart) II. 241 The Stormes that long disturb'd the State are val'd. 6. Of a bonnet or banner: To be doffed or lowered in token of respect or submission. ΘΚΠ the world > textiles and clothing > clothing > types or styles of clothing > headgear > [verb (intransitive)] > be removed vailc1550 vailed1591 the mind > attention and judgement > esteem > respect > respect or show respect [verb (intransitive)] > bare head > be doffed vailc1550 the world > movement > motion in a certain direction > downward motion > causing to come or go down > cause to come or go down [verb (intransitive)] > lower > be lowered in submission or respect abatea1387 vailc1550 society > authority > subjection > obedience > submissiveness > submission > submit [verb (intransitive)] > perform act of submission > of a bonnet or banner vailc1550 c1550 A pore helpe 214 in W. C. Hazlitt Remains Early Pop. Poetry Eng. III. 260 And telles them suche a tale As makes theyr bonettes vale. a1648 W. Percy Cuck-queanes & Cuckolds Errants (1824) iv. i. 48 Cause your Friggats Bonnets to wayle. 1742 A. Pope New Dunciad 199 His Hat, which never vail'd to human pride, Walker with rev'rence took, and laid aside. 1826 M. W. Shelley Last Man II. i. 15 The inhabitants in thousands were assembled to give him hail,..the soldiery presented arms, the banners vailed. †7. To drop or sail down stream or with the tide. Also with down. Obsolete. ΘΚΠ society > travel > travel by water > directing or managing a ship > use of tides > [verb (intransitive)] > go with or take advantage of tide vail1544 avalea1547 to tide it1627 drop1790 to tide one's way1827 1544 in State Papers Henry VIII (1849) X. 118 Our other shippes, which be already valed. ?a1554 H. Willoughby in R. Hakluyt Princ. Navigations (1589) ii. 267 We departed from Detford, passing by Greenewich..& so valed vnto Blackewall. 1589 T. Southam in R. Hakluyt Princ. Navigations ii. 392 Wee departed..before sunne rising, and valed down the riuer sometime sailing, and sometime rowing. †8. To bow or bend down to the ground in obeisance or salutation. Obsolete. rare. ΘΚΠ the mind > attention and judgement > esteem > respect > respect or show respect [verb (intransitive)] > bow, kneel, or curtsey loutc825 abowOE bowa1000 kneel?a1000 kneec1000 crookc1320 to bow the knee1382 inclinec1390 crouchc1394 croukc1394 coucha1500 plya1500 to make or do courtesy1508 beck1535 to make a (long, low, etc.) leg1548 curtsya1556 dopc1557 binge1562 jouk1567 beckon1578 benda1586 humblea1592 vaila1593 to scrape a leg1602 congee1606 to give the stoop1623 leg1628 scrape1645 to drop a curtsy1694 salaam1698 boba1794 dip1818 to make (also perform) a cheese1834 a1593 C. Marlowe Hero & Leander (1598) i. sig. Biij There Hero..Vaild to the ground, vailing her eie-lids close, And modestly they opened as she rose. III. absol. †9. Nautical. To lower the sail. (Cf. 3.) Also in figurative context. Obsolete. ΘΚΠ society > travel > travel by water > directing or managing a ship > use of sails, spars, or rigging > support (an amount of) sail [verb (intransitive)] > reduce sail > lower sail vail1512 1512 in T. Rymer Fœdera (1712) XIII. 330 No Vessell of the Flete vale or plukke doun his Saill unto such tyme as the Admiral hath valed. c1592 C. Marlowe Jew of Malta ii. ii Because we vail'd not to the Turkish Fleet. 1602 B. Jonson Poetaster iii. iv. sig. F What'l hee saile by, and not once strike, or vaile to a Man of warre? 1650 A. Weldon Court & Char. King James 49 A Dutch Man of Warre comming by that Ship, would not vail, as the manner is, acknowledging by that, our Soveraignty over the Sea. 10. To doff or take off the cap or hat (to a person, etc.). ΘΚΠ the world > textiles and clothing > clothing > providing with clothing > undressing or removing clothing > undress or remove clothing [verb (intransitive)] > remove specific garments > headgear disvisor1548 capa1555 unmask1562 vail1597 off-capa1616 unbonnet1810 uncap1875 uncasque1880 1600 B. Jonson Every Man out of his Humor v. iii. sig. Piii 1 Cup... The health of that Honorable Countesse... 2. I do vail to it with reuerence. 1632 P. Massinger Emperour of East i. ii. sig. C2^v I haue..set downe To a haires breadth, how low a new stamp'd courtier May vaile to a country Gentleman. a1657 G. Daniel Poems (1878) I. 214 Hee [Herbert] the vtmost Fame Has gain'd; and now they vaile, to heare Him Sing. c1700 J. Pomfret Dies Novissima in Poems (1736) 9 Straight I finish'd—veiling low. 1753 S. Richardson Hist. Sir Charles Grandison II. iv. 39 I would sooner veil to such a Man as this than to a King on his throne. a1845 R. H. Barham Lord of Thoulouse in Ingoldsby Legends (1847) 3rd Ser. 186 Knights..Before Count Raymond bend the knee, And vail to him. in extended use.1597 J. Lyly Woman in Moone v. i The Iocund trees that vald when she came neare, And..Did seeme to say, ‘Pandora is our Queene’. 11. a. figurative. To submit, yield, give place to (or unto); to acknowledge the superiority or supremacy of.In frequent use by 17th cent. divines. ΘΚΠ society > authority > subjection > obedience > submissiveness > submission > submit to [verb (transitive)] undergangc1000 undergoc1175 abidec1275 bidec1275 shootc1275 undergoc1315 submit1397 incline?a1400 vail1610 cede1633 defer1686 1610 P. Holland tr. W. Camden Brit. i. 301 All rivers else beside Vaile unto me. 1627 G. Hakewill Apologie iv. viii. 368 To Cæsars Amphitheater all other workes must vaile. a1677 I. Barrow Of Love of God (1680) 77 These indeed are lofty commendations thereof, yet all of them may worthily veil to this. 1706 D. Defoe Jure Divino x. 20 Vail Satyr to the mighty Edward's Fame. 1779 T. Hutchinson Diary II. 243 The Ministry vail to every measure to humour the people. 1816 L. Murray Eng. Gram. Illustr. (ed. 3) I. App. iii. i. 525 They all vail to the English idiom, and scruple not to acknowledge its superiority over their own. b. To do homage to one. ΘΚΠ the mind > attention and judgement > esteem > respect > respect or show respect [verb (intransitive)] to make feasta1325 vail1509 vail1609 to know one's distancea1616 Schweik1973 1609 W. Shakespeare Pericles xv. 29 When She would with rich and constant pen, Vaile to her Mistresse Dian. View more context for this quotation Derivatives ˈvailing adj. ΘΚΠ the world > movement > motion in a certain direction > downward motion > [adjective] descendantc1429 downwith1488 downward1552 vailinga1639 down1642 descending1700 dipping1817 downcoming1922 a1639 H. Wotton Reliquiæ Wottonianæ (1672) 386 Where surging flouds and valing ebbs can tell That none beyond thy marks must sink or swell. This entry has not yet been fully updated (first published 1916; most recently modified version published online June 2022). † vailv.³ Forms: In 1600s vaile. Etymology: < vail n.¹ 8. Obsolete. rare. absol. To give vails or gratuities. ΘΚΠ society > trade and finance > fees and taxes > payment for labour or service > paying (money) for labour or service > pay (money) for labour or service [verb (intransitive)] > give tips vail1609 tip1728 1609 B. Jonson Case is Alterd ii. sig. C3^v Why now you come neere him sir, he doth vaile, He doth remunerate. View more context for this quotation This entry has not yet been fully updated (first published 1916; most recently modified version published online June 2021). < n.¹c1430n.²1609v.¹?a1300v.²c1330v.³1609
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vailv.2

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