FOIBLE

foible

(noun) the weaker part of a sword’s blade from the forte to the tip

idiosyncrasy, foible, mannerism

(noun) a behavioral attribute that is distinctive and peculiar to an individual

Source: WordNet® 3.1


Etymology

Adjective

foible (comparative more foible, superlative most foible)

(obsolete) Weak; feeble.

Noun

foible (plural foibles)

A quirk, idiosyncrasy, or mannerism; unusual habit or way (usage is typically plural), that is slightly strange or silly.

A weakness or failing of character.

(fencing) Part of a sword between the middle and the point, weaker than the forte.

Synonyms

• (a weakness or failing of character): fault

Source: Wiktionary


Foi"ble, a. Etym: [OF. foible. See Feeble.]

Definition: 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.

Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition



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Word of the Day

28 March 2024

HUDDLED

(adjective) crowded or massed together; “give me...your huddled masses”; “the huddled sheep turned their backs against the wind”


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Coffee Trivia

According to Guinness World Records, the largest collection of coffee pots belongs to Robert Dahl (Germany) and consists of 27,390 coffee pots as of 2 November 2012, in Rövershagen, Germany.

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