file¹ / fīl/ • n. a folder or box for holding loose papers that are typically arranged in a particular order for easy reference: a file of correspondence. ∎  the contents of such a folder or box. ∎  Comput. a collection of data, programs, etc., stored in a computer's memory or on a storage device under a single identifying name: do you want to save this file? • v. [tr.] place (a document) in a cabinet, box, or folder in a particular order for preservation and easy reference: fig. he still had the moment filed away in his memory. ∎  submit (a legal document, application, or charge) to be placed on record by the appropriate authority: criminal charges were filed against the firm [intr.] the company had filed for bankruptcy. ∎  (of a reporter) send (a story) to a newspaper or news organization.PHRASES: on file in a file or filing system.file² • n. a line of people or things one behind another: Plains Cree warriors riding in file down the slopes. ∎  Mil. a small detachment of men: a file of English soldiers had ridden out from Perth.• v. [intr.] (of a group of people) walk one behind the other, typically in an orderly and solemn manner: the mourners filed into the church.file³ • n. a tool with a roughened surface used for smoothing or shaping a hard material: it is possible to make the necessary notch with a file.• v. [tr.] smooth or shape (something) with such a tool: when I have nothing else to do, I file my nails. ∎  (file something away/off) remove something by grinding it off with a file: the engine numbers were filed away.

file A collection of information, referred to by file name; for example, a user-created document, program data, or the program itself. With a program, the information is held on backing store (i.e. usually on magnetic disk or magnetic tape) in order (a) to enable it to persist beyond the time of execution of a single job and/or (b) to overcome space limitations in main memory. Files with a very brief existence (i.e. in case (b) above, or where they simply carry information between one job and the next in sequence) are called work files. See also master file, data file.

FILE

A record of the court. A paper is said to be filed when it is delivered to the proper officer to be kept on file as a matter of record and reference. But in general the terms file and the files are used loosely to denote the official custody of the court or the place in the offices of a court where the records and papers are kept. The file in a case includes the original complaint and all pleadings and papers belonging thereto.

A clerk files a document by endorsing it on the date it is received and retaining it in his or her office for inspection by the parties that it might concern.

file2
A. string or wire on which papers are strung XVI; collection of papers so preserved or arranged in order XVII.

B. line of men, etc., one behind another XVI. — (O)F. fil :- L. fīlum thread.
Hence file vb.2 place on or in a file XV; †place (men) in a file XVI; move in file XVII.

file1 metal instrument for abrading surfaces. OE. fīl = OS. fīla (Du. vijl), OHG. fī(ha)la (G. feile) :- WGmc. *fīχala, f. IE. *peik- cut, repr. also by OSl. pĭsati write, Gr. pikrós sharp, bitter.
Hence file vb.1 smooth with a file. XIII.