King Richard . . . caused the ensigns of Leopold to
be pulled down and foiled under foot. --Knoless.
Whom he did all to pieces breake and foyle, In
filthy durt, and left so in the loathely soyle.
--Spenser.
2. To render (an effort or attempt) vain or nugatory; to
baffle; to outwit; to balk; to frustrate; to defeat.
And by ? mortal man at length am foiled. --Dryden.
Her long locks that foil the painter's power.
--Byron.
3. To blunt; to dull; to spoil; as, to foil the scent in
chase. --Addison.