quill
quill Lexical Profile
quill Game Scores & Validity
• noun
A writing instrument made from the flight feather of a large bird, the tip of which is cut to form a nib for dipping in ink.
"The historical document was carefully drafted on parchment using a goose quill and iron gall ink."
Any of the long, stiff, sharp spines covering the body of a porcupine or hedgehog.
"When threatened by a predator, the porcupine raises its sharp quills in defense."
The main wing or tail feather of a bird, or the hollow, horny lower shaft of a feather.
"The ornithologist examined the molted quill to identify the species of hawk."
A small, dried, rolled-up tube of aromatic cinnamon bark.
"She simmered the apple cider with whole cloves and a fragrant cinnamon quill."
A small hollow cylinder or bobbin on which yarn or thread is wound for weaving.
"The weaver loaded a fresh quill of dyed wool into the wooden shuttle."
• verb
To form small cylindrical folds, pleats, or ruffles in fabric or lace, or to roll strips of paper into decorative filigree shapes.
"The artisan spent hours quilling narrow strips of colored paper to create an intricate floral design."
To wind yarn or thread onto a bobbin or hollow cylinder for weaving.
"Before starting the loom, the apprentice had to quill enough thread for the day's work."
• Rhymes for quill
Word Origin & Etymology
Originating in Middle English as 'quille' meaning a hollow stem or stalk, the word is likely borrowed from Middle Low German 'quiele' (meaning feather shaft). Because the hollow shafts of large goose or swan feathers were the primary writing instruments in Europe from the 6th to the 19th centuries, the word became synonymous with pens and authorship.