vail
/veɪl/
verb
- To lower or let down (something, such as a flag or sail) as a sign of respect or submission.
- The captain ordered the crew to vail the sails during the storm.
- In medieval times, knights would vail their lances before the king.
- The sailors vailed the flag as the admiral's ship passed by.
- To yield or submit; to give way.
- The smaller army had to vail before the overwhelming force.
- She would not vail her pride, even when it cost her the job.
- He refused to vail to the demands of the bully.
noun
- An act of lowering or doffing something as a sign of respect.
- With a vail of his hat, the gentleman greeted the lady.
- The ceremonial vail of the flag marked the end of the tribute.
- A deep vail of the head was the only acknowledgment he gave.