To defile: same as file, foul.
noun.
The track or trail of game when pursued.
noun.
Defeat; frustration; failure when on the point of achievement.
noun.
In wrestling, a partial fall; a fall not complete according to the rules.
noun.
A leaf, as of a plant.
noun.
A metallic substance formed into very thin sheets by rolling and hammering: as, gold, tin, or lead foil.
noun.
In jewelry, a thin leaf of metal placed under a precious stone to change its color, or to give it more color in case of its being inferior in that respect, or to give it additional luster by the reflection of light from the surface of the metal.
noun.
Leaf-metal placed behind translucent enamel for the same purpose as that used for precious stones. (See def. 3.) In this sense often called paillon (which see). Hence Anything of a different color or of different qualities which serves to adorn or set off another thing to advantage; that which, by comparison or contrast, sets off or shows more conspicuously the superiority of something else.
noun.
An amalgam of tin with quicksilver laid on one side of a sheet of glass to produce a reflecting surface in making a mirror.
noun.
In medieval architecture, a small arc in the tracery of a window, panel, etc., which is said to be trefoiled, quatrefoiled, cinquefoiled, multifoiled, etc., according to the number of arcs which it contains.
To trample upon; tread under foot.
To blunt; dull; deaden: as, to foil the scent in a chase.
To frustrate; baffle; mislead; render vain or nugatory, as an effort or attempt; thwart; balk: as, the enemy was foiled in his attempt to pass the river.
This your courtesy
Synonyms Thwart, Baffle, etc. See frustrate.
noun.
A bated or blunted sword used in fencing-practice and friendly contests; now, usually, an implement used in fencing-schools, for small-sword practice only.
In hunting, of an animal, to retrace its own track for the purpose of baffling the hounds; ‘run the foil.’ See foil, n.