v. Obs. 4–6; also afile, affyle. [a. OFr. afile-r:—late L. affīlā-re, f. af- = ad- to + fīl-um a thread, also (in late L.) the edge of a cutting instrument.] To file down, polish, sharpen. lit. and fig. (Cf. Fr. affiler la langue.)
c. 1386. Chaucer, Prol., 712. He moste preche, and wel affyle his tunge, To wynne silver [v.r. afile, affyle].
1393. Gower, Conf., II. 113. Mercury, which was all affiled, This cow to stele he came desguised.
1485. Caxton, Chas. Gt. (1880), 167. A grete axe of fyn steele bended and affyled that there was noo side but it cutted.
c. 1520. Compl. of them to late maryed (1862), 3. All yonge lovers sholde them so affyle, That they love trewely.
