v. t.
n. (Mil.) The art or act of determining the directions and heights of the lines of rampart with reference to the protection of the interior from exposure to an enemy's fire from any point within range, or from any works which may be erected. Farrow. [ 1913 Webster ]
v. i.
v. t. (Mil.) Same as Defilade. [ 1913 Webster ]
n. [ Cf. F. défilé, fr. défiler to defile. ]
v. t. [ OE. defoulen, -foilen, to tread down, OF. defouler; de- + fouler to trample (see Full, v. t.), and OE. defoulen to foul (influenced in form by the older verb defoilen). See File to defile, Foul, Defoul. ]
They that touch pitch will be defiled. Shak. [ 1913 Webster ]
He is . . . among the greatest prelates of this age, however his character may be defiled by . . . dirty hands. Swift. [ 1913 Webster ]
Defile not yourselves with the idols of Egypt. Ezek. xx. 7. [ 1913 Webster ]
The husband murder'd and the wife defiled. Prior. [ 1913 Webster ]
That which dieth of itself, or is torn with beasts, he shall not eat to defile therewith. Lev. xxii. 8. [ 1913 Webster ]
adj.
n. [ Cf. F. défilement. See Defile ] (Mil.) The protection of the interior walls of a fortification from an enfilading fire, as by covering them, or by a high parapet on the exposed side. [ 1913 Webster ]
n. [ From 3d Defile. ] The act of defiling, or state of being defiled, whether physically or morally; pollution; foulness; dirtiness; uncleanness. [ 1913 Webster ]
Defilements of the flesh. Hopkins. [ 1913 Webster ]
The chaste can not rake into such filth without danger of defilement. Addison. [ 1913 Webster ]
n. One who defiles; one who corrupts or violates; that which pollutes. [ 1913 Webster ]
n. [ L. de- + filius son. ] Abstraction of a child from its parents. Lamb. [ 1913 Webster ]