pall

I. verb Etymology: Middle English, short for appallen to become pale — more at appall Date: 14th century intransitive verb 1. to lose strength or effectiveness 2. to lose in interest or attraction <

his humor began to pall on us

> 3. dwindle <

our enthusiasm soon palled

> transitive verb 1. to cause to become insipid 2. to deprive of pleasure in something by satiating Synonyms: see satiate II. noun Etymology: Middle English, cloak, mantle, from Old English pæll, from Latin pallium Date: 14th century 1. pallium 1a 2. a. a square of linen usually stiffened with cardboard that is used to cover the chalice b. (1) a heavy cloth draped over a coffin (2) a coffin especially when holding a body 3. a. something that covers or conceals; especially an overspreading element that produces an effect of gloom <

a pall of thick black smoke

> <

a pall of suspicion

> b. a feeling of gloom <

his absence cast a pall over the celebration

> III. transitive verb Date: 15th century to cover with a pall ; drape