n.
Pronunciation: ə - ' v ā l
Function: verb
Etymology: Middle English, Anglo-French availler, probably from a- (fr. Latin ad- ) + valer, valoir to be of worth, from Latin val ē re ― more at WIELD
Date: 14th century
intransitive verb : to be of use or advantage : SERVE <our best efforts did not avail >
transitive verb : to produce or result in as a benefit or advantage : GAIN <his efforts avail ed him nothing>
– avail oneself of also avail of : to make use of : take advantage of <they availed themselves of his services>