Definition

Noun 1. A type of cabbage: A hardy plant (Brassica oleracea var. acephala) with coarse, curly leaves that do not form a tight head, similar to kale. 2. Soup or broth made from this plant: A dish, typically a soup, prepared using the leaves of this cabbage.

Examples of Usage

• As a plant:
  • The farmer grew rows of kail in the winter garden.
  • For this recipe, you can use kail or any other leafy green.
• As a food dish:
  • On cold nights, we often have a simple kail for supper.
  • The traditional Scottish kail was a staple food.

Advanced Usage

• The term "kail" is an older or chiefly Scottish variant of the modern word "kale". It is less common in contemporary general English but may appear in historical texts, regional dialects, or traditional recipes.

Variants and Related Words

• Kale (n): The modern, more common spelling for the same plant and related dishes.
• Cole (n): An archaic term from which "kale" and "kail" are derived, referring to plants of the cabbage family.
• Borecole (n): Another historical name for kale.

Synonyms

• Kale
• Collard greens (a specific, closely related variety)
• Leaf cabbage

Related Phrases

• Kail-yard: (Historical/Scottish) A kitchen garden where kail and other vegetables were grown.
  • The cottage had a small kail-yard at the back.

Noun

1. coarse curly-leafed cabbage
2. a hardy cabbage with coarse curly leaves that do not form a head