noun
devil
DEH-vuhl
noun
1
In Christian and Jewish tradition, the supreme evil spirit; Satan.
"The painting shows the devil tempting a monk in the desert."
2
A wicked, cruel, or mischievous person (also used affectionately, especially of a child).
"You little devil, you ate the whole cake!"
verb
1
To season food heavily with spices, especially mustard or pepper.
"She deviled the eggs with a dash of paprika and mustard."
2
To work for a barrister or writer without pay or credit, usually to gain experience.
"He devilled for a senior barrister before qualifying himself."
How to Use Devil
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe personification of evil in religious belief, or loosely, a wicked or naughty person; the verb can also mean to spice up food or to do unpaid junior legal/writing work.
Common pairings
deviled eggs
the devil's advocate
speak of the devil
poor devil
Word Forms
deviled past tense, devilled past tense, devils singular
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Etymology
From Old English dēofol, borrowed from Latin diabolus, from Greek diábolos, "slanderer" — literally "one who throws something across" (in someone's path).