Dictionary of Phrase and Fable—V

Vails

Blackmail in the shape of fees to servants. (From the Latin verb valeo, to be worth, to be of value; French, valoir.) The older form was avails.

“Vails to servants being much in fashion.”

Russell: Representative Actors.

Source: Dictionary of Phrase and Fable, E. Cobham Brewer, 1894
Vain as a Peacock
Vail
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