# Vail

/ˈveɪɫ/ (US) · /vˈeɪl/ (UK) · CEFR C2 · Verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/vail
Updated: 2026-08-15

## Definition

to lower or take off your hat as a sign of respect. In old stories about ships, it also means to lower a sail or a flag to show honor to another ship.

For teachers: to lower or remove a hat or other head covering as a gesture of submission or respect. In a nautical context, refers to the lowering of a sail or ensign as a sign of yielding or salutation.

## Examples

- The knight would vail his bonnet to the king.
- The captain ordered the crew to vail the topsails as they approached the royal fleet's flagship.
- In the presence of such overwhelming authority, the messenger felt compelled to vail his cap and bow low before delivering the scroll.

## Usage notes

- The verb is transitive and typically takes a head covering or a sail as its direct object.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.