Meaning & use
vail
Last updated
(Archaic) a tip or gratuity, especially one traditionally given to a servant.
See it in a sentence
The footman received a small vail for carrying the luggage.
Guests were expected to leave a vail for the household staff.
A note on using this word
Largely obsolete today; historically common in English before being replaced by "tip."
Words with a similar meaning
gratuitytip
Choose a synonym to suit the sentence. Meanings can overlap without being identical.
Another way to use it
2. verb
To lower or remove (one's hat) as a gesture of respect or submission
He vailed his hat as the procession passed.
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