GNU Collaborative International Dictionary of English

last match results

Found 3 definitions

1.       
   Supple , a. [OE. souple, F. souple, from L. supplex suppliant, perhaps originally, being the knees. Cf. Supplicate.]
   Pliant; flexible; easily bent; as, supple joints; supple fingers.
   1913 Webster
   Yielding; compliant; not obstinate; submissive to guidance; as, a supple horse.
   1913 Webster
   If punishment . . . makes not the will supple, it hardens the offender.
   Locke.
   
   1913 Webster
   Bending to the humor of others; flattering; fawning; obsequious.
   Addison.
   
   1913 Webster
   Syn. -- Pliant; flexible; yielding; compliant; bending; flattering; fawning; soft.
   1913 Webster
   
         
       

2.       
   Supple, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Suppled ; p. pr. & vb. n. Suppling .]
   To make soft and pliant; to render flexible; as, to supple leather.
   1913 Webster
   The flesh therewith she suppled and did steep.
   Spenser.
   
   1913 Webster
   To make compliant, submissive, or obedient.
   1913 Webster
   A mother persisting till she had bent her daughter's mind and suppled her will.
   Locke.
   
   1913 Webster
   They should supple our stiff willfulness.
   Barrow.
   
   1913 Webster
   
         
       

3.       
   Supple, v. i. To become soft and pliant.
   1913 Webster
   The stones . . . 
   Suppled into softness as they fell.
   Dryden.
   
   1913 Webster