foible

/ˈfȯi-bəl/

obsolete French (now faible), from obsolete foible weak, from Old French feble feeble

noun

  1. the part of a sword or foil blade between the middle and point

  2. a minor flaw or shortcoming in character or behavior : weakness

fault failing frailty foible vice mean an imperfection or weakness of character. fault implies a failure, not necessarily culpable, to reach some standard of perfection in disposition, action, or habit. failing suggests a minor shortcoming in character.