vail

¹

[ veyl ]

verb (used with object)

1. to let sink; lower.
2. Archaic. to take off or doff (one's hat), as in respect or submission.

vail

²

[ veyl ]

verb (used with or without object)

1. to be of use or profit to someone; avail.

noun

1. a tip; gratuity.

vail

³

[ veyl ]

noun

1. a veil.

verb (used with object)

1. to veil.

vail

¹

/ veɪl /

noun

1. an archaic word for avail

vail

²

/ veɪl /

noun

1. an archaic spelling of veil

vail

³

/ veɪl /

verb

1. to lower (something, such as a weapon), esp as a sign of deference or submission
2. to remove (the hat, cap, etc) as a mark of respect or meekness

Word History and Origins

Origin of vail¹

First recorded in 1300–50; Middle English valen, vaile “to subside, sink,” shortened variant of avalen, awalen, availen (now obsolete), from Middle French avaler “to move down,” derived from the phrase a val “down” (literally, ”to the valley”), equivalent to a “to” (from Latin ad ) + val vale )

Origin of vail²

First recorded in 1300–50; Middle English vailen, vaille, valen, shortened variant of avail

Origin of vail³

First recorded in 1350–1400

Word History and Origins

Origin of vail¹

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

Example Sentences

They offered solace in Vail, where a sign announced that the fire danger was high, and past the burnt stumps of a recent brush fire near Rulison.

From Los Angeles Times

A second-floor resident in his 80s died from cardiovascular disease in his room in June, according to Kelly Vail, a spokesperson for the County of Los Angeles Medical Examiner.

From Los Angeles Times

The body has been removed but investigators have yet to locate next of kin, Vail said.

From Los Angeles Times

“As of right now, there’s no indication there has been outreach from the landlord/property manager,” Vail said last week.

From Los Angeles Times

Van Zweden is conducting three performances of Mahler’s Second Symphony through Saturday for his Lincoln Center finale, then leading the orchestra on the road for five concerts in China from June 27 to July 3 and three performances at Vail, Colorado, from July 17-20.

From Seattle Times