Archaic. to take off or doff (one's hat), as in respect or submission.
Origin
1300-50;Middle Englishvalen, aphetic variant of avalen (now obsolete) < Middle Frenchavaler to move down, verbal derivative of phrase a val down (literally, to the valley) (a to (< Latinad) + valvale)
vail2
[veyl] /veɪl/
verb (used without object), verb (used with object)
1.
to be of use or profit; avail.
noun
2.
a tip; gratuity.
Origin
1250-1300;Middle English; aphetic variant of avail
vail3
[veyl] /veɪl/
noun
1.
a veil.
verb (used with object)
2.
to veil.
Examples from the web for vail
Economics however is blinded to the real problems of overpopulation and overconsumption, by its money vail.
And vail its tangled whorls, and thou shalt walk on daisies pied.
vail is an alpine and cross-country ski resort that also offers summer activities of all sorts.
British Dictionary definitions for vail
vail1
/veɪl/
verb (transitive) (obsolete)
1.
to lower (something, such as a weapon), esp as a sign of deference or submission
2.
to remove (the hat, cap, etc) as a mark of respect or meekness
Word Origin
c14 valen, from obsolete avalen, from Old French avaler to let fall, from Latin ad vallem, literally: to the valley, that is, down, from ad to + vallisvalley
"advantage, profit," early 15c., from vail (v.) "to be of use or service" (c.1300), from Old French vail, from valoir "to be of value or worth" (see value (n.)).