1.
[syn: frustration, thwarting, foiling]
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:
Foil \Foil\ (foil), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Foiled (foild); p. pr.
& vb. n. Foiling.] [F. fouler to tread or trample under
one's feet, to press, oppress. See Full, v. t.]
1. To tread under foot; to trample.
[1913 Webster]
King Richard . . . caused the ensigns of Leopold to
be pulled down and foiled under foot. --Knoless.
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Whom he did all to pieces breake and foyle,
In filthy durt, and left so in the loathely soyle.
--Spenser.
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2. To render (an effort or attempt) vain or nugatory; to
baffle; to outwit; to balk; to frustrate; to defeat.
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And by ? mortal man at length am foiled. --Dryden.
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Her long locks that foil the painter's power.
--Byron.
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3. To blunt; to dull; to spoil; as, to foil the scent in
chase. --Addison.
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The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:
Foiling \Foil"ing\, n. (Arch.)
A foil. --Simmonds.
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The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:
Foiling \Foil"ing\, n. [Cf. F. foul['e]es. See 1st Foil.]
(Hunting)
The track of game (as deer) in the grass.
[1913 Webster]
WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006):
foiling
n 1: an act of hindering someone's plans or efforts [syn:
frustration, thwarting, foiling]