- -le
- 1) a suffix of verbs having a frequentative force:dazzle; twinkle[/ex]2) a suffix of adjectives formed orig. on verbal stems and having the sense of “apt to”:brittle[/ex]3) a noun suffix having orig. a diminutive meaning:bramble[/ex]4) a noun suffix indicating agent or instrument:beadle; bridle; thimble[/ex]•Etymology: ME -len, OE -lian (v.); ME -el, OE -ol (adj.); ME -el, OE -il (dim.); ME -el, OE -ol, -ul (agent)
From formal English to slang. 2014.