Part 241

Thackeray.

The word is said to be connected with the German vogt, a guard or protector. By others it is regarded as a diminutive of folk (cf. D. volkje). It is defined by Jamieson, in his Scottish Dictionary, as "an invalid or garrison soldier," and is applied to the old soldiers of the Royal Hospital at Dublin, which is called the Fogies' Hospital. In the fixed habits of such persons we see the origin of the present use of the term. Sir F. Head.

Fo"gy*ism (?), n. The principles and conduct of a fogy. [Colloq.]

Foh (?), interj. [Cf. Faugh.] An exclamation of abhorrence or contempt; poh; fie. Shak.

Fo"hist (?), n. A Buddhist priest. See Fo.

Foi"ble (?), a. [OF. foible. See Feeble.] Weak; feeble. [Obs.] Lord Herbert.

Foi"ble (?), n. 1. A moral weakness; a failing; a weak point; a frailty.

A disposition radically noble and generous, clouded and overshadowed by superficial foibles.

De Quincey.

2. The half of a sword blade or foil blade nearest the point; -- opposed to forte. [Written also faible.]

Syn. -- Fault; imperfection; failing; weakness; infirmity; frailty; defect. See Fault.

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.

King Richard . . . caused the ensigns of Leopold to be pulled down and foiled under foot.

Knoless.

Whom he did all to pieces breake and foyle, In filthy durt, and left so in the loathely soyle.

Spenser.

2. To render (an effort or attempt) vain or nugatory; to baffle; to outwit; to balk; to frustrate; to defeat.

And by &?; mortal man at length am foiled.

Dryden.

Her long locks that foil the painter's power.

Byron.

3. To blunt; to dull; to spoil; as, to foil the scent in chase. Addison.

Foil, v. t. [See 6th File.] To defile; to soil. [Obs.]

Foil, n. 1. Failure of success when on the point of attainment; defeat; frustration; miscarriage. Milton.

Nor e'er was fate so near a foil.

Dryden.

2. A blunt weapon used in fencing, resembling a smallsword in the main, but usually lighter and having a button at the point.

Blunt as the fencer's foils, which hit, but hurt not.