Obs. [a. F. fouler to tread, trample, press. Cf. FULL v., FOIL v.1] trans. To trample, tread, tread down.

1

a. 1400–50.  Alexander, 4680.

        And be þar gold in oure gate · or any gud stanes,
We do bot foulis it with oure fete · vs faynes it na more.

2

1483.  Caxton, Gold. Leg., 24 b/2. The presse I have torned & fowled all allone.

3

a. 1533.  Ld. Berners, Huon, cxl. 524. The countre is sore fowllyd and opressyd.

4

1643.  Prynne, Popish R. Fav., 46. He caused the Image of the Crosse to be redressed, and that men should not foule it under their feete.

5