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Vail is an obsolete noun meaning profit, gratuity, or submission, and an obsolete noun meaning defer, tip one's hat, or to cause to sink. Vail may also be a misspelling of vale or veil.
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(obsolete) To submit or defer to
“Thy convenience must vail to thy neighbour's necessity.”
(obsolete) To take off one's hat or otherwise show respect or to someone
“Now vail your hats, brave riders.”
(obsolete) To lower, let fall, or cause to sink
“Which of you first shall press to shew your love, to vail your bonnet to your patron saint?”
(obsolete) Profit, return or proceeds
“My house is, as 'twere, the cave where the young outlaw hoards the stolen vails of his occupation.”
(obsolete) Money given to servants by visitors
“I have often heard them say, they have found the largest vails in those families where they were not promised any.”
Related Words and Phrases
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