noun
- plural of vail; tips or gratuities given to servants
Usage: archaic
verb
- third person singular present of vail; to lower or remove (a hat or other head covering) as a sign of respect
Usage: archaic
Examples
- The gentleman vails his hat to the lady.
- He vails his cap in respect to his elders.
- The servants received their vails at Christmas.
- The footmen expected vails from wealthy guests.
- She vails her bonnet upon entering the church.