First Known Use: 15th century
Dictionary
1quill
noun \ˈkwil\
: the hollow central part of a feather
: a large, stiff feather from the wing or tail of a bird
: a pen that is made from a feather
Full Definition of QUILL
1
a (1) : a bobbin, spool, or spindle on which filling yarn is wound (2) : a hollow shaft often surrounding another shaft and used in various mechanical devices b : a roll of dried bark <cinnamon quills>
2
a (1) : the hollow horny shaft of a feather — see feather illustration (2) : feather; especially : one of the large stiff feathers of the wing or tail b : one of the hollow sharp spines of a porcupine or hedgehog c : 3pen 3
3
: something made from or resembling the quill of a feather; especially : a pen for writing
4
: a float for a fishing line
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Origin of QUILL
Middle English quil hollow reed, bobbin; akin to Middle High German kil large feather
2quill
verb
Definition of QUILL
transitive verb
1
: to pierce with quills
2
a : to wind (thread or yarn) on a quill b : to make a series of small rounded ridges in (cloth)
First Known Use of QUILL
1783
QUILL Defined for Kids
quill
noun \ˈkwil\
Definition of QUILL for Kids
1
: a large stiff feather of a bird's wing or tail
2
: the hollow tubelike part of a feather
3
: a hollow sharp spine of a porcupine or hedgehog
4
: a pen made from a feather
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