supple

Verb · Adjective
Synonyms: lissomelissomlithelithesomeslendersveltesylphlikelimber

WordNet 3.0

Verb (1)

  1. make pliant and flexible“These boots are not yet suppled by frequent use”

Adjective (3)

  1. moving and bending with easeSynonyms: lissomelissomlithelithesomeslendersveltesylphlike
  2. (used of e.g. personality traits) readily adaptable“a supple mind”“a limber imagination”Synonyms: limber
  3. (used of persons' bodies) capable of moving or bending freelySynonyms: limber
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Webster's Dictionary (GCIDE)

Supple \Sup"ple\, v. i. To become soft and pliant. [1913 Webster]

The stones . . . Suppled into softness as they fell. --Dryden. [1913 Webster]

Supple \Sup"ple\ (s[u^]p"p'l), a. [OE. souple, F. souple, from L. supplex suppliant, perhaps originally, being the knees. Cf. Supplicate.]

1.Pliant; flexible; easily bent; as, supple joints; supple fingers. [1913 Webster]

2.Yielding; compliant; not obstinate; submissive to guidance; as, a supple horse. [1913 Webster]

If punishment . . . makes not the will supple, it hardens the offender.— Locke.[1913 Webster]

3.Bending to the humor of others; flattering; fawning; obsequious. --Addison. [1913 Webster]

Syn: Pliant; flexible; yielding; compliant; bending; flattering; fawning; soft. [1913 Webster]

Supple \Sup"ple\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Suppled (s[u^]p"p'ld); p. pr. & vb. n. Suppling (s[u^]p"pl[i^]ng).]

1.To make soft and pliant; to render flexible; as, to supple leather. [1913 Webster]

The flesh therewith she suppled and did steep.— Spenser.[1913 Webster]

2.To make compliant, submissive, or obedient. [1913 Webster]

A mother persisting till she had bent her daughter's mind and suppled her will.— Locke.[1913 Webster]
They should supple our stiff willfulness.— Barrow.[1913 Webster]
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