De*file" (?), v. i. [imp. & p. p. Defiled (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Defiling.] [F. d'efiler; pref. d'e-, for des- (L. dis-) + file a row or line. See File a row.]
To march off in a line, file by file; to file off.
© Webster 1913.
De*file", v. t. Mil.
Same as Defilade.
© Webster 1913.
De*file" [Cf. F. d'efil'e, fr. d'efiler to defile.]
1.
Any narrow passage or gorge in which troops can march only in a file, or with a narrow front; a long, narrow pass between hills, rocks, etc.
2. Mil.
The act of defilading a fortress, or of raising the exterior works in order to protect the interior. See Defilade.
© Webster 1913.
De*file" (?), 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.]
1.
To make foul or impure; to make filthy; to dirty; to befoul; to pollute.
They that touch pitch will be defiled.
Shak.
2.
To soil or sully; to tarnish, as reputation; to taint.
He is . . . among the greatest prelates of this age, however his character may be defiled by . . . dirty hands.
Swift.
3.
To injure in purity of character; to corrupt.
Defile not yourselves with the idols of Egypt.
Ezek. xx. 7.
4.
To corrupt the chastity of; to debauch; to violate.
The husband murder'd and the wife defiled.
Prior.
5.
To make ceremonially unclean; to pollute.
That which dieth of itself, or is torn with beasts, he shall not eat to defile therewith.
Lev. xxii. 8.
© Webster 1913.