quinsy

[ kwin-zee ]

noun

, Pathology.

1. a suppurative inflammation of the tonsils; suppurative tonsillitis; tonsillar abscess.

quinsy

/ ˈkwɪnzɪ /

noun

1. inflammation of the tonsils and surrounding tissues with the formation of abscesses

Other Words From

• quinsied adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of quinsy¹

1300–50; Middle English quin ( e ) sie < Medieval Latin quinancia, Late Latin cynanchē < Greek kynánchē sore throat

Word History and Origins

Origin of quinsy¹

C14: via Old French and Medieval Latin from Greek kunankhē, from kuōn dog + ankhein to strangle

Example Sentences

I prevailed by undertaking to do any mortal thing he liked, as long as he lay where he was with that quinsy.

From Project Gutenberg

Quinsy, kwin′zi, n. an inflammatory affection of the substance of the tonsils, attended when fully developed by suppuration.

From Project Gutenberg

Witty men said that the orator had not caught a sore throat, but a silver quinsy during the night.

From Project Gutenberg

My quinsy has altogether left me, and my blood flows strong after the rest.

From Project Gutenberg

At this extraordinary sight the bishop was seized with a fit of laughter, which burst the quinsy, and saved his life.

From Project Gutenberg