What does QUAIL mean?

Quail

Part of Speech: Noun, Verb

Definition: A small, short-tailed game bird with brownish plumage, found mainly in the Old World. As a verb, it means to feel or show fear or apprehension.

Pronunciations: (US: kwāl, UK: kwāl)

Origin and Usage: The word "quail" comes from the Middle English "quaille" and Old French "quaille," both of which are derived from the Latin "quadrupedem," meaning "four-footed animal." Quails are often hunted for sport or food, and their eggs are considered a delicacy in some cultures. As a verb, "quail" has been used since the 15th century to mean to cower or shrink back in fear.

Synonyms: (Noun) Game bird, Partridge; (Verb) Cower, Flinch, Shrink

Related Words: Equal, Trail, Quake, Quick, Quill

Example Sentences:

• The hunters went out early in the morning to shoot quail for dinner.
• She quailed at the thought of giving a speech in front of a large audience.
• He could see the fear in her eyes as she quailed before him.