to run a foil

1 definition found

to run a foil - Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 :

  Foil \Foil\, n.
     1. Failure of success when on the point of attainment;
        defeat; frustration; miscarriage. --Milton.
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              Nor e'er was fate so near a foil.     --Dryden.
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     2. A blunt weapon used in fencing, resembling a smallsword in
        the main, but usually lighter and having a button at the
        point.
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              Blunt as the fencer's foils, which hit, but hurt
              not.                                  --Shak.
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              Isocrates contended with a foil against Demosthenes
              with a word.                          --Mitford.
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     3. The track or trail of an animal.
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     To run a foil,to lead astray; to puzzle; -- alluding to the
        habits of some animals of running back over the same track
        to mislead their pursuers. --Brewer.
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