Used to express actions, events, or states that have not yet occurred but are expected to happen.
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The trader will quail Over ledgers unsquared—and accounts overdue: And his pen fain would tell all the sorrowful tale Which his heart, full of fear, has not courage to do!
From The Death of Saul and other Eisteddfod Prize Poems and Miscellaneous Verses by J. C. Manning
Moreover she has been his mistress, I have not, she will quail before me, I shall have no difficulty in getting the best of her.'
From Celibates by George (George Augustus) Moore
And you—I suppose this bad man, Shanty Moir, will quail when he sees your red hair?
From The Snow-Burner by Henry Oyen
And many a stalwart heart will quail, That never quailed in fear!
From Charles O'Malley, The Irish Dragoon, Volume 2 by Charles James Lever
As an apothecary’s apprentice they would, but as a gentleman they will quail; and if they do not, their master will most certainly be civil, and give you all the information which he can.
From Japhet in Search of a Father by Frederick Marryat
