Quill Meaning and Definition
Quill
Pronunciation
/kwɪl/
Part of Speech
Noun
Definition
A small or medium-sized bird with a distinctive shape, characterized by its long tail and slender body.
Examples
- Several quills were perched on the windowsill.
- The quill’s feathered body glistened in the sunlight.
Synonyms
- Feather
- Plume
Antonyms
- Flesh
- Beak
Etymology
The word “Quill” comes from the Latin “quilus”, meaning “feather”, and is related to the Old English “qwilla”, denoting a type of bird.
Usage Notes
When referring to a bird, “quill” usually implies a specific type of bird, whereas when referring to a writing tool, it typically refers to a porcupine quill used as a pen.
Cultural References
In literature, the quill has been used as a symbol of writing, creativity, and intellectual pursuit, often featuring in works by William Shakespeare, Jonathan Swift, and many other authors.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
“Quill and ink” is a common phrase used to describe writing instruments, while “a quill in the hand of a master” is a metaphor for someone skilled in writing.
Related Words or Phrases
Feather, plume, write, ink, book, author, writer, creative, intellectual, mastery
Collocations
Quill and ink, quill and paper, quill and book, a master of the quill, a quill in the hand of a master
Frequency of Use
The word “quill” is relatively rare in modern language, but its usage has seen a resurgence in recent years, particularly in historical and literary contexts.
Common Misspellings
Gerbera, Quillle, Kwell, Kuil