foil

I

[[t]fɔɪl[/t]]

v. t.

1) to prevent the success of; frustrate; thwart

2) to keep (a person) from succeeding in an enterprise, plan, etc

3) archaic a defeat; check; repulse

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Etymology: 1250–1300; ME < AF foller, OF fuler to trample, full (cloth) foil′a•ble, adj. II

foil

[[t]fɔɪl[/t]] n.

1) mel metal in the form of very thin sheets:

aluminum foil[/ex]

2) mel the metallic backing applied to glass to form a mirror

3) jew a thin layer of metal placed under a gem in a closed setting to improve its color or brilliancy

4) a person or thing that makes another seem better by contrast

5) archit. an arc or rounded space between cusps

6) aer. an airfoil or hydrofoil

7) to cover or back with foil

8) to set off by contrast

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Etymology: 1350–1400; ME < OF III

foil

[[t]fɔɪl[/t]] n.

1) spo a flexible four-sided rapier having a blunt point

2) spo foils, the art or practice of fencing with this weapon, points being made by touching the trunk of the opponent's body with the tip of the weapon

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Etymology: 1585–95; orig. uncert.