verb
- to lower or remove (something, especially a hat or flag) as a sign of respect or submission
Usage: archaic
noun
- a tip or gratuity given to a servant
Usage: archaic
Examples
- The knight would vail his helmet before the king.
- Sailors were ordered to vail the colors at sunset.
- The servant expected a small vail for his services.
- In medieval times, it was customary to vail one’s cap to nobility.
- The crew vailed their sails as the ship entered port.