quail

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   small gallinaceous game birds

   Quail is easy to overcook, but when it is done right it tastes amazing.

2. 2
   verb

   to draw back, as with fear or pain

   The solider quailed as they were struck with a bullet in the shoulder.

3. 3
   noun

   Any of various small game birds of the genera Coturnix, Anurophasis or Perdicula in the Old World family Phasianidae or of the New World family Odontophoridae.

   Quail require little water, so there is no point to putting in a guzzler if there is any permanent water within travel range.

From Middle English quayle, quaile, quaille, from Anglo-Norman quaille, from Late Latin quaccola (“quail”). (prostitute): So called because the quail was thought to be a very amorous bird.

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