[oil] n, often attrib [ME oile, fr. OF, fr. L oleum olive oil, fr. Gk elaion, fr. elaia olive] (13c) 1 a: any of numerous unctuous combustible substances that are liquid or can be liquefied easily on warming, are soluble in ether but not in water, and leave a greasy stain on paper or cloth b (1): petroleum (2): the petroleum industry
2: a substance (as a cosmetic preparation) of oily consistency "bath ~" 3 a: an oil color used by an artist b: a painting done in oil colors
4: unctuous or flattering speech
[2]oil vt (15c): to smear, rub over, furnish, or lubricate with oil ~ vi: to take on fuel oil -- oil the hand or oil the palm : bribe, tip