Other than the set expresion "to no avail," can one use ‘avail’ without a reflexive pronoun?

If the word means ‘to make use of,’ I’d like to avail myself of its expressive possibilities.

Thanks!

Main Entry: 1avail
Pronunciation: &-‘vA(&)l
Function: verb
Etymology: Middle English, probably from a- (as in abaten to abate) + vailen to avail, from Old French valoir to be of worth, from Latin valEre—more at WIELD
intransitive senses : to be of use or advantage : SERVE <our best efforts did not avail>
transitive senses
1 : to be of use or advantage to : PROFIT
2 : to result in : bring about <his efforts availed him nothing>
- avail oneself of also avail of : to make use of : take advantage of

Maybe as in It avails nothing to cry.  According to explanation number 2, it can optionally take a reflexive pronoun, thus I’d like to avail (myself) of its expressive possibilities.
Brazilian dude

BD, I have no problems with «I’d like to avail myself of its expressive possibilities», but «I’d like to avail of its expressive possibilities» grates on my ear. I suggest that when used in sense 2, the verb is usually accompanied by a reflexive pronoun, even if this usage is, as you say, facultative….

Henri

I agree with you.

Brazilian dude

[center]Merci ![/center]

Henri

[quote author=BELLATOR link=board=todays;num=1116946650;start=0#5 date=08/24/05 at 15:14:39]

I would say it’s, "to take advantage of [an opportunity, something useful, etc.]" V

VB (repost in order to edit)