squill

American  

[skwil] / skwɪl /

noun

1. the bulb of the sea onion, Urginea maritima, of the lily family, cut into thin slices and dried, and used in medicine chiefly as an expectorant.

2. the plant itself.

3. any related plant of the genus Scilla.

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squill British  

/ skwɪl /

noun

1. See sea squill

2. the bulb of the sea squill, formerly used medicinally as an expectorant after being sliced and dried

3. any Old World liliaceous plant of the genus Scilla , such as S. verna ( spring squill ) of Europe, having small blue or purple flowers

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Other Word Forms

• squill-like
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of squill

1350–1400; Middle English < Latin squilla, variant of scilla < Greek skílla

Example Sentences

“That’s so, Stubbs,” said Squill, with a nod.

From The Crew of the Water Wagtail by Ballantyne, R. M. (Robert Michael)

As for the rest of the crew—Big Swinton, Little Stubbs, George Blazer, Squill, and the like—it was well, as we have said, that they could not see into the future.

From The Crew of the Water Wagtail by Ballantyne, R. M. (Robert Michael)

“Och!” exclaimed Squill, starting up, as did all his companions; but no other sound was uttered for a few seconds.

From The Crew of the Water Wagtail by Ballantyne, R. M. (Robert Michael)

The party, therefore, that finally continued in pursuit of the Indians was composed of Grummidge, George Blazer, Fred Taylor, Little Stubbs, Garnet Squill, and several others.

From The Crew of the Water Wagtail by Ballantyne, R. M. (Robert Michael)

“Av he’s not the say-sarpint himself, boys,” panted Squill, as he pointed to him with looks of unmitigated admiration, “sure he must be his first cousin.”

From The Crew of the Water Wagtail by Ballantyne, R. M. (Robert Michael)