Dictionary
1quail
noun \ˈkwāl\
: a kind of small wild bird that is often hunted
: the meat of quail eaten as food
plural quail or quails
Full Definition of QUAIL
: any of numerous small gallinaceous birds: as a : an Old World migratory game bird (Coturnix coturnix) b : bobwhite
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Origin of QUAIL
Middle English quaile, from Anglo-French, from Medieval Latin quaccula, of imitative origin
First Known Use: 14th century
Rhymes with QUAIL
2quail
verb
: to feel afraid and often to show your fear in a way that can be clearly seen
Full Definition of QUAIL
intransitive verb
2
: to recoil in dread or terror : cower <the strongest quail before financial ruin — Samuel Butler †1902>
transitive verb
archaic : to make fearful
See quail defined for English-language learners
Origin of QUAIL
Middle English, from Middle Dutch quelen
First Known Use: 15th century
Synonym Discussion of QUAIL
recoil, shrink, flinch, wince, blench, quail mean to draw back in fear or distaste. recoil implies a start or movement away through shock, fear, or disgust <recoiled at the suggestion of stealing>. shrink suggests an instinctive recoil through sensitiveness, scrupulousness, or cowardice <shrank from the unpleasant truth>. flinch implies a failure to endure pain or face something dangerous or frightening with resolution <faced her accusers without flinching>. wince suggests a slight involuntary physical reaction (as a start or recoiling) <winced in pain>. blench implies fainthearted flinching <stood their ground without blenching>. quail suggests shrinking and cowering in fear <quailed before the apparition>.
QUAIL[1] Defined for Kids
1quail
noun \ˈkwāl\
plural quail or quails
Definition of QUAIL for Kids
: a small plump bird (as a bobwhite) that feeds mostly on the ground and is sometimes hunted for food or sport
2quail
verb
quailedquail·ing
Definition of QUAIL for Kids
: to lose courage : draw back in fear
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