GNU Collaborative International Dictionary of English

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1.       
   Foil (foil), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Foiled (foild); p. pr. & vb. n. Foiling.] [F. fouler to tread or trample under one's feet, to press, oppress. See Full, v. t.]
   1. To tread under foot; to trample.
   
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    King Richard . . . caused the ensigns of Leopold to be pulled down and foiled under foot. Knoless.
   
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    Whom he did all to pieces breake and foyle,
   
         In filthy durt, and left so in the loathely soyle. Spenser.
   
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   2. To render (an effort or attempt) vain or nugatory; to baffle; to outwit; to balk; to frustrate; to defeat.
   
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            And by  mortal man at length am foiled. Dryden.
   
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            Her long locks that foil the painter's power. Byron.
   
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   3. To blunt; to dull; to spoil; as, “to foil the scent in chase”.  Addison.
   
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