vail

Meanings

1. 1
   verb

   to lower or take off something, especially a hat, as a sign of respect or submission

   He chose to vail his cap as the procession passed.

2. 2
   verb

   to let something fall or sink; to lower it from a raised position

   She began to vail the newspaper and look across the room.

3. 3
   noun

   an archaic gratuity or payment given to a servant

   The guest left a small vail for the household servant.

The verb is a shortened form of avail, from Anglo-French avaler, 'to lower,' based on a phrase meaning 'downward.' Its historical senses include lowering a hat or other object. The noun for a gratuity or perquisite is related to avail in the sense of profit or benefit.

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