Etymology From Middle English dile, from Old English dile (“dill, anise”); from Proto-Germanic *deliz, of uncertain, probably non-Indo-European origin, possibly a west European substrate. Cognate with Old Saxon dilli, Dutch dille, Swedish dill, German Dill.
1
Anethum graveolens (the type species of the genus Anethum), a herb, the seeds of which are moderately warming, pungent, and aromatic, formerly used as a soothing medicine for children; also known as dillseed.
The life of one plant would be affected by another. Rue was definitely hostile to basil, rosemary to hyssop, but coriander, dill and chervil lived on the friendliest of terms[.]1940, Rosetta E. Clarkson, Green Enchantments: The Magic Spell of Gardens, The Macmillan Company, page 253:
The importance of Nowruz is reflected in an elaborate sabzi polo, the herbed rice capped with a crunchy tahdig, the crust formed from lettuce, rice mixed with yogurt or lavash or another thin flatbread. On Wednesday night, I opted for sheveed polo, a simpler and quicker dill rice, but I can’t wait to nail that crunchy tahdig tonight.2026 March 15, Genevieve Ko, “‘This Is the Best Dish I Have Ever Made From NYT Cooking’”, in The New York Times, →ISSN, archived from the original on 15 Mar 2026:
Etymology From Middle English dile, from Old English dile (“dill, anise”); from Proto-Germanic *deliz, of uncertain, probably non-Indo-European origin, possibly a west European substrate. Cognate with Old Saxon dilli, Dutch dille, Swedish dill, German Dill.
1
To cook or flavor with dill.
My mother would pickle them and dill them, and we still had an abundance of fresh vegetables left.2014, Anatoly (Tony) Kandiew, Red Devils, →ISBN, page 139:
To still; to assuage; to calm; to soothe, as one in pain.
The noise of the Queen's voyage to France is dilled down ; no money for her furniture will be got in haste; and the Cardinal has no will of her mother.1775, Robert Baillie, Letters and Journals: Written by the deceased Mr. Robert Baillie, Principal of the University of Glasgow, page 252:
The innocent was punished. The gear is payed and the thieves dilled down.1829, Publications - Issue 25, Volume 2, page x:
3 more examples
The Provincial Assembly sits down. Dr. Guild moderator. Dr. Scroggie preaches. His sermon found faulty. It dills down.1829, John Spalding, James Skene, The History of the Troubles and Memorable Transactions in Scotland, page vii:
And there is nought to call them back, while these Curmudgeon generals dill down in their fear.1890, Thomas Nield, Oliver Cromwell, Lord Protector of England: A Drama, page 23:
That now the dinn o' it wad soon dill down, An' but a story at the last be found.1938, Alexander Ross, Scot. Text S, page 195:
dill
noun
Etymology Perhaps a backformation from dilly (“silly”).
He could go over and monster his way among the poms, but he was that drunk he'd probably only make a dill of himself.2016, Robert G. Barrett, And De Fun Don't Done: A Les Norton Novel: