A‐vail″ (�), v. t. [imp. & p. p.Availed (�); p. pr. & vb. n.Availing.] [OE. availen, fr. F. � (L. ad) + valoir to be worth, fr. L. valere to be strong, to be worth. See Valiant.] 1. To turn to the advantage of; to be of service to; to profit; to benefit; to help; as, artifices will not avail the sinner in the day of judgment.
O, what avails me now that honor high!
Milton.
2. To promote; to assist. Pope.
To avail one's self of, to make use of; take advantage of.
Then shall they seek to avail themselves of names.
Milton.
I have availed myself of the very first opportunity.
Dickens.