vail /veɪl/verb 5noun 3forms 3 verb5 •To lower or “dip” a carried flag or banner in a salute by a forward reducing of the angle of the pike/flagstaff with respect to the ground; in extreme instances, as when saluting a monarch, both the banner and the finial of the pike are allowed to rest upon the ground. •(no longer used) To lower, let fall; to allow or cause to sink.[…] when he shall know it lies in vs, To banish him, and then to call him home, Twill make him vaile the topflag of his pride, And feare to offend the meanest noble man. — 1594 •(no longer used) To lower a sail, in salute or otherwise.Both we will walke vpon the loftie cliffes, And Christian Merchants that with Russian stems Plow vp huge furrowes in the Caspian sea, Shall vaile to vs, as Lords of al the Lake. — 1587 •(no longer used) To pay homage, bow, submit, defer (to someone or something); to yield, give way (to something).She would with rich and constant pen Vail to her mistress Dian — 1607 •(no longer used) To remove as a sign of deference, as a hat.[…] Now the time is come That France must vail her lofty-plumed crest And let her head fall into England’s lap. — 1591 noun3 •(no longer used) Profit; return; proceeds.My house is as t’were the Caue, where the yong Out-lawe hoords the stolne vayles of his occupation […] — 1605 •[in the plural] (no longer used) Money given to servants by visitors; a gratuity; also vale. •(no longer used) Submission. formsvailed · vailing · vails
