1. a suffix of verbs having a frequentative force: dazzle; twinkle.
2. a suffix of adjectives formed originally on verbal stems and having the sense of "apt to": brittle.
3. a noun suffix having originally a diminutive meaning: bramble.
4. a noun suffix indicating agent or instrument: beadle; bridle; thimble.
[ ME -len, OE -lian (v.); ME -el, OE -ol (adj.); ME -el, OE -il (dim.); ME -el, OE -ol, -ul (agent) ]