An archaic verb meaning to deprive of mail or armor, or to unmask and expose.
From dis- (prefix meaning 'remove' or 'reverse') + mail (from Old French maille, meaning 'armor' or 'mesh'). This rare medieval term reflected the process of removing protective covering.
Knights literally feared 'dismaile'—the moment their armor was removed they were vulnerable—so the word carried both practical and metaphorical weight in describing exposure and danger.
Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.