See Also: file(6)(dictionary)
file(dictionary)
file(7)(dictionary)
file(5)(dictionary)
file(4)(dictionary)
file(3)(dictionary)
file(2)(dictionary)
file(1)(dictionary)
file(encyclopedia)
File(medicine)

file(7) (iou)



file verb3. LME.
[French filer string on a thread, from late Latin filare spin, from Latin filum thread.]
I. Corresp. to FILE noun2 I.
a. verb trans. Arrange (now only documents etc.) in a particular order for preservation and easy reference; place (a document etc.) on file; put away in a file. Formerly also, string on a thread. LME.
filing cabinet: with drawers for storing documents.
A. Burgess I sent the silly thing to headquarters, but they will have filed it among the other missives of madmen.
b. verb trans. & intrans. Place (a document) on file among official records by formal procedures of registration; submit (an application for a patent, a petition for divorce, etc.) to the appropriate authority. E16.
J. Barth I petitioned for permission to file an amended complaint. T. Lundberg The company must file with Companies House..a copy of the company's audited accounts. Guardian She filed successfully for divorce.
c. verb trans. & intrans. Assert a title to (a piece of land or a mining claim). N. Amer. L19.
verb trans. Of a newspaper reporter: transmit (a story, information, etc.) to a newspaper for publication. M20.
A. Carter He filed copy to a New York newspaper for a living.
II. Corresp. to FILE noun2 II.
verb trans. Arrange (soldiers) in a file or files. L16-M17.
verb intrans. March or walk (away, off, etc.) in file. E17.
J. Galsworthy The coffin was borne into the chapel, and, two by two, the mourners filed in behind it. G. W. Target If the bell does not ring for Assembly, I want you to file out and go into the hall quietly.
b. fig. Keep pace with. rare. Only in E17.
Shakespeare Henry VIII My endeavours, Have ever come too short of my desires, Yet fil'd with my abilities.
filer noun2 L19.