verb
vail
vayl
verb
1
To lower something, such as a hat or flag, as a sign of respect or submission.
"The knight vailed his banner as the queen passed."
noun
1
Money given as a tip to a servant; a gratuity.
"Guests traditionally left a small vail for the household staff."
How to Use Vail
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishAn old-fashioned word meaning to lower something out of respect, or a tip given to a servant.
When to use it
Archaic — rarely used in modern English outside of historical writing.
Word Forms
vailed past tense, vails plural, vails plural, Vails plural, vails singular
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Etymology
From Old French vail, from valoir ("to be worth"), from Latin valere ("to be worth").