-le

-le [əl, 'l]

suffix

1. [ME v. suffix -len < OE -lian] forming verbs denoting repeated action, esp. of a small or trivial kind [babble, sparkle]

2. [ME n. suffix -el, -le < OE -ol, -ul, -el] forming nouns, orig. usually with a diminutive sense [icicle, thimble]

3. [ME adj. suffix -el < OE -ol] forming adjectives, esp. from verb stems [brittle]