-le
1.
a suffix of verbs having a frequentative force:
dazzle; twinkle.
2.
a suffix of adjectives formed originally on verbal stems and having the sense of “apt to”:
brittle.
3.
a noun suffix having originally a diminutive meaning:
bramble.
4.
a noun suffix indicating agent or instrument:
beadle; bridle; thimble.
Origin
Middle English
-len,
Old English
-lian
(v.);
Middle English
-el,
Old English
-ol
(adj.);
Middle English
-el,
Old English
-il
(diminutive);
Middle English
-el,
Old English
-ol, -ul
(agent)
British Dictionary definitions for
-le
-le
suffix
1.
denoting repeated or continuous action, often of a diminutive nature:
twiddle,
wriggle,
wrestle
Word Origin
from Middle English
-len,
Old English
-lian,
with similar significance