\De*file"\, v. i. [imp. & p. p. {Defiled}; p. pr. & vb.
n. {Defiling}.] [F. d['e]filer; pref. d['e]-, for des- (L.
dis-) + file a row or line. See {File} a row.]
To march off in a line, file by file; to file off.

\De*file"\, v. t. (Mil.)
Same as {Defilade}.

\De*file"\ (?; 277), n. [Cf. F. d['e]fil['e], fr.
d['e]filer to defile.]
1. Any narrow passage or gorge in which troops can march only
   in a file, or with a narrow front; a long, narrow pass
   between hills, rocks, etc.
2. (Mil.) The act of defilading a fortress, or of raising the
   exterior works in order to protect the interior. See
   {Defilade}.

\De*file"\, v. t. [OE. defoulen, -foilen, to tread down,
OF. defouler; de- + fouler to trample (see {Full}, v. t.),
and OE. defoulen to foul (influenced in form by the older
verb defoilen). See {File} to defile, {Foul}, {Defoul}.]
1. To make foul or impure; to make filthy; to dirty; to
   befoul; to pollute.
         They that touch pitch will be defiled. --Shak.
2. To soil or sully; to tarnish, as reputation; to taint.
         He is . . . among the greatest prelates of this age,
         however his character may be defiled by . . . dirty
         hands.                                --Swift.
3. To injure in purity of character; to corrupt.
         Defile not yourselves with the idols of Egypt.
                                               --Ezek. xx. 7.
4. To corrupt the chastity of; to debauch; to violate.
         The husband murder'd and the wife defiled. --Prior.
5. To make ceremonially unclean; to pollute.
         That which dieth of itself, or is torn with beasts,
         he shall not eat to defile therewith. --Lev. xxii.
                                               8.