† aˈffile, v. Obs.
4–6. Also afile, affyle.
[a. OFr. afile-r:—late L. affīlā-re, f. af- = ad- to + fīl-um a thread, also (in late L.) the edge of a cutting instrument.]
To file down, polish, sharpen. lit. and fig. (Cf. Fr. affiler la langue.)
| c 1386 Chaucer Prol. 712 He moste preche, and wel affyle his tunge, To wynne silver [v.r. afile, affyle]. 1393 Gower Conf. II. 113 Mercury, which was all affiled, This cow to stele he came desguised. 1485 Caxton Chas. Gt. (1880) 167 A grete axe of fyn steele bended and affyled that there was noo side but it cutted. c 1520 Compl. of them to late maryed (1862) 3 All yonge lovers sholde them so affyle, That they love trewely. |