Word Direct Answers

What does "supple" mean?

Supple: Yielding compliant; not obstinate; submissive to guidance; as, a supple horse. If punishment . . . makes not the will supple, it hardens the offender. Locke.

Additional senses

  1. 2.Bending to the humor of others; flattering; fawning; obsequious. Addison.
  2. 3.To make soft and pliant; to render flexible; as, to supple leather. The flesh therewith she suppled and did steep. Spenser.
  3. 4.To make compliant, submissive, or obedient. A mother persisting till she had bent her daughter's mind and suppled her will. Locke. They should supple our stiff willfulness. Barrow.
  4. 5.To become soft and pliant. The stones . . . Suppled into softness as they fell. Dryden.

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