-le

1. a suffix of verbs having a frequentative force: dazzle; twinkle.

2. a suffix of adjectives formed originally on verbal stems and having the sense of "apt to": brittle.

3. a noun suffix having originally a diminutive meaning: bramble.

4. a noun suffix indicating agent or instrument: beadle; bridle; thimble.

[ME -len, OE -lian (v.); ME -el, OE -ol (adj.); ME -el, OE -il (dim.); ME -el, OE -ol, -ul (agent)]

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