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wile

2 ENTRIES FOUND:

1wile

noun \ˈwī(-ə)l\

Definition of WILE

1
: a trick or stratagem intended to ensnare or deceive; also : a beguiling or playful trick
2
: skill in outwitting : trickery, guile

Examples of WILE

  1. <had to use all of her wiles to convince her guests to stay for dinner>
  2. <it took both wile and cajolery to talk him into it>

Origin of WILE

Middle English wil, perhaps of Scandinavian origin; akin to Old Norse vēl deceit, artifice
First Known Use: 12th century

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