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vail

Browse the Dictionary:: A; B; C; D; E; F; G; H; I; J; K; L; M; N; O; P; Q; R; S; T; U; V; W; X; Y; Z; #

vail

Main Entry:: vail
Pronunciation:: \ˈvāl\
Function:: transitive verb
Etymology:: Middle English valen, partly from Anglo-French valer (short for avaler to lower) & partly short for Middle English avalen to let fall, from Anglo-French avaler, from aval downward, from a to (from Latin ad) + val valley — more at at, vale
Date:: 14th century

: to lower often as a sign of respect or submission

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