n. [ Prob. fr. Prov. E. oil, ile, ail, a beard of grain (OE. eil, AS. egl) combined with the indef. article, an oil becoming a noil. ] A short or waste piece or knot of wool separated from the longer staple by combing; also, a similar piece or shred of waste silk. [ Webster 1913 Suppl. ]

n. pl. [ Etymol. uncertain. ] Waste and knots of wool removed by the comb; combings. [ 1913 Webster ]