transitive verb filed, filing fil′·ing

1. 1. to arrange (papers, etc.) in order for future reference
   2. to put (a paper, etc.) in its proper place or order
2. ☆ to dispatch (a news story) to a newspaper, news agency, etc.
3. to register (an application, etc.)
4. to put (a legal document) on public record
5. to initiate (a divorce suit or other legal action)

Etymology: ME filen < OFr filer, to string documents on thread, orig., to spin thread < LL filare, to spin < L filum, thread < IE base *gwhislo- > Lith gýsla, sinew

intransitive verb

1. to move in a line to file out of a building
2. ☆ to register oneself as a candidate (for a political office)
3. to make application (for divorce proceedings, etc.)

noun

1. a container, as a folder, cabinet, etc., for keeping papers in order
2. an orderly arrangement of papers, cards, etc., as for reference
3. a line of persons or things situated one behind another
4. any of the rows of squares on a chessboard extending from one player's end to the other
5. Comput. a collection of data (or, often, of logically related records) stored and dealt with as a single, named unit

Etymology: filesenses , , & < the v.; & < Fr file < L filum

noun

1. a steel tool with a rough, ridged surface for smoothing, grinding down, or cutting through something
2. Brit., Slang a crafty rascal

Etymology: ME < OE feol (Mercian fil), akin to Ger feile < Du vijl, prob. < IE base *peik-, var. of *peig-, to scratch, prick > paint

transitive verb filed, filing fil′·ing

transitive verb filed, filing fil′·ing

Etymology: ME filen < OE -fylan < ful, dirty, foul