n.
Function: verb
Inflected Form: filed ; fil · ing
Etymology: Middle English, from Medieval Latin filare to string documents on a string or wire, from filum file of documents, literally, thread, from Latin; akin to Armenian ǰ il sinew
Date: 15th century
transitive verb
1 : to arrange in order for preservation and reference < file letters>
2 a : to place among official records as prescribed by law < file a mortgage> b : to send (copy) to a newspaper < filed a story> c : to return to the office of the clerk of a court without action on the merits
3 : to initiate (as a legal action) through proper formal procedure <threatened to file charges>
intransitive verb
1 : to register as a candidate especially in a primary election
2 : to place items in a file
3 : to submit documents necessary to initiate a legal proceeding < file for bankruptcy>
– fil · er \ ' f ī -l ə r \ noun