- Enter a word for the dictionary definition. From The
Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48: Oily
\Oil"y\, a. [Compar. Oilier; superl. Oiliest.] 1. Consisting of
oil; containing oil; having the nature or qualities of oil;
unctuous; oleaginous; as, oily matter or substance. --Bacon.
[1913 Webster] 2. Covered with oil; greasy; hence, resembling
oil; as, an oily appearance. [1913 Webster] 3. Smoothly
subservient; supple; compliant; plausible; insinuating. "This
oily rascal." --Shak. [1913 Webster] His oily compliance in all
alterations. --Fuller. [1913 Webster] Oily grain (Bot.), the
sesame. Oily palm, the oil palm. [1913 Webster]