I. ˈsə-pəl also ˈsü- adjective
( sup·pler -p(ə-)lər ; sup·plest -p(ə-)ləst)
Etymology: Middle English souple, from Anglo-French suple, from Latin supplic-, supplex entreating for mercy, supplicant, perhaps from sub- + -plic- (akin to plicare to fold) — more at ply
Date: 14th century
1.
a. : compliant often to the point of obsequiousness
b. : readily adaptable or responsive to new situations
2.
a. : capable of being bent or folded without creases, cracks, or breaks : pliant
supple leather
b. : able to perform bending or twisting movements with ease : limber
supple legs of a dancer
c. : easy and fluent without stiffness or awkwardness
sang with a lively, supple voice — Douglas Watt
Synonyms: see elastic
• sup·ple·ly -pə(l)-lē or sup·ply -p(ə-)lē adverb
• sup·ple·ness -pəl-nəs noun
II. verb
( sup·pled ; sup·pling -p(ə-)liŋ)
Date: 14th century
transitive verb
1. : to make pacific or complaisant
supple the tempers of your race — Laurence Sterne
2. : to alleviate with a salve
3. : to make flexible or pliant
intransitive verb
: to become soft and pliant