quail
1Also called true quail . any of numerous gallinaceous birds, order Galliformes, classified as either Old World quails, within the pheasant family (Phasinidae), especially the genus Coturnix, or the distantly related New World quails, comprising their own family (Odontophoridae), including the genera Colinus,Callipepla, and Odontophorus: among the most familiar true quails are the Old World king quail and the New World bobwhite.
Older Slang. a woman or girl.
Origin of quail
1Other words from quail
- quail·like, adjective
Words that may be confused with quail
Other definitions for quail (2 of 2)
to lose heart or courage in difficulty or danger; shrink with fear.
Origin of quail
2synonym study For quail
Other words for quail
Other words from quail
- un·quail·ing, adjective
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024
British Dictionary definitions for quail (1 of 2)
/ (kweɪl) /
any small Old World gallinaceous game bird of the genus Coturnix and related genera, having a rounded body and small tail: family Phasianidae (pheasants)
any of various similar and related American birds, such as the bobwhite
Origin of quail
1British Dictionary definitions for quail (2 of 2)
/ (kweɪl) /
(intr) to shrink back with fear; cower
Origin of quail
2Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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