quail

UK: kweɪl | US: kweɪl

Definition

  1. n. a small, short-tailed game bird related to pheasants

  2. vi. to lose courage or shrink back in fear

Structure

No data yet.

Etymology

The word "quail" has dual origins:

  1. As a noun (the bird), it derives from Old French quaille, likely imitative of the bird’s call.
  2. As a verb (to cower), it stems from Middle Dutch quelen (to suffer, be ill), influenced by the bird’s timid behavior. The semantic link lies in the bird’s tendency to freeze or flee when threatened, metaphorically extended to human fear.
Examples

  1. A covey of quail darted across the path.

  2. He refused to quail under the judge’s stern gaze.

  3. The hunter aimed carefully at the fleeing quail.

  4. Her voice began to quail as she recounted the ordeal.

  5. Quail eggs are considered a delicacy in many cuisines.