vail

Definition

Profit; return; proceeds.

Etymology

From Middle English vayle, from Old French vail, from valoir (“to be worth”), from Latin valeō (“I am worth”).

Example Sentences

• "My house is as t’were the Caue, where the yong Out-lawe hoords the stolne vayles of his occupation […]"
• "Do you remember, how many Rich Gowns and Petticoats, how many lac’d Pinners, Hoods, Scarfs, and Nightrails, I have given you, since the three Years you have serv’d me, together with many other Vails, Perquisites, and Profits you have enjoy’d in my Service?"
• "[…] it is a maxim among the gentlemen of our cloth, that those masters who promise the most, perform the least; and I have often heard them say, they have found the largest vails in those families where they were not promised any."