What does QUILL mean?

Here is the requested information on the word "quill": Parts of Speech

Noun

Definitions

• a main feather of a bird, especially a large flight feather
• a pen made from a birds feather
• a hollow sharp spiny hair of a porcupine or hedgehog

Pronunciations

• US: /kwɪl/
• UK: /kwɪl/

Origin and Usage

The word "quill" comes from the Old English word "cweol", meaning a ball of thread. It has been used since the 14th century to refer to a birds feather used as a writing instrument. In the 19th century, steel pens replaced quills as the primary writing instrument.

Synonyms

• feather
• pen
• writing instrument

Related Words

• feint
• spoil
• brush
• quilt
• shaft

Example Sentences

• She used a quill to write the letter.
• The porcupines quills can be dangerous if not handled properly.
• The quill pen was once the primary writing instrument.