The word "Vail" can be spelled in different ways, depending on its usage. The most common spelling refers to a type of ski resort located in Colorado, which is pronounced as /veɪl/. Another spelling, "veil," refers to a piece of cloth worn by women over their heads and face, pronounced as /veɪl/ as well. Finally, "vale" is a word that means a valley, pronounced as /veɪl/ too. Therefore, it's essential to know the meaning and context of the word when spelling it correctly.
Vail is a verb that has multiple definitions, depending on its context.
1. To vail can mean to lower or lower something, especially in a respectful or submissive manner. This definition is often used when speaking of lowering one's head or tipping one's hat as a gesture of deference, respect, or humility. For example, in medieval times, knights would vail their helmets to show respect to their opponents.
2. In some contexts, vail refers to the act of curtailing or lessening the intensity or force of something. It can be used to describe a reduction in power, influence, or strength. For instance, a government may vail its authority by giving more autonomy to its regions or provinces.
3. Vail also has a specific usage related to skiing and snowboarding. It refers to the descent of a ski slope or mountain while remaining in control. Skiers and snowboarders often speak of vailing down a slope to describe their seamless and controlled descent.
4. Vail can also be a noun referring to a valley or a dale, especially a narrow one, flanked by hills or mountains. This meaning is primarily used in poetry or literature to convey a sense of natural beauty or serenity.
Overall, the meaning of vail depends on its context, but it generally relates to actions such as lowering, curtailing, descending, or honoring.
Money given to servants by employers, visitors, or others, as a perquisite or present; customary or stipulated perquisites to servants, as grease and broken meat to a cook, and left-off clothes to a personal servant.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "vail" has multiple etymological origins. One origin comes from Old English where the verb "fǽlan" meant "to fall" or "fall down". Over time, this evolved into the Middle English verb "failen" with the same meaning. From "failen", the noun form "vail" emerged, referring specifically to the act of lowering or raising something. Another origin comes from Old French, where the word "vaeil" referred to an act of devotion or respect, often involving bowing the head or lowering one's body. Both etymological roots contribute to the modern usage of "vail" as a verb meaning "to lower", such as lowering a hat or lowering oneself in a gesture of respect or submission.