foil

foil

foil¹ [foil]

vt.

[ME foilen < OFr fuler, to trample on, subdue: see FULL²]

1. to keep from being successful; thwart; frustrate

2. Hunting to make (a scent, trail, etc.) confused, as by recrossing, in order to balk the pursuers

n.

1. Archaic the scent or trail of an animal

2. Archaic a thwarting

SYN.- FRUSTRATE

foil² [foil]

n.

[ME < OFr fuil (Fr feuille), a leaf < L folia < folium, leaf: see FOLIATE]

1. a leaflike, rounded space or design between cusps or in windows, etc., as in Gothic architecture

2. a very thin sheet or leaf of metal; specif., such a sheet, as of aluminum, used for wrapping food, etc.

3. the metal coating on the back of a mirror

4. a thin leaf of polished metal placed under an inferior or artificial gem to give it brilliance

5. a person or thing that sets off or enhances another by contrast

vt.

1. to cover or back with foil

2. Rare to serve as a contrast to

3. to decorate (windows, etc.) with foils

foil³ [foil]

n.

[< ?]

1. a long, thin fencing sword with a button on the point to prevent injury: see SWORD

2. [pl.] the art or sport of fencing with foils