Main Entry: ¹quill

Pronunciation: \ˈkwil\

Function: noun

Etymology: Middle English quil hollow reed, bobbin; akin to Middle High German kil large feather

Date: 15th century

1 a (1) : a bobbin, spool, or spindle on which filling yarn is wound (2) : a hollow shaft often surrounding another shaft and used in various mechanical devices b : a roll of dried bark <cinnamon quills>
2 a (1) : the hollow horny shaft of a feather — see feather illustration (2) : feather; especially : one of the large stiff feathers of the wing or tail b : one of the hollow sharp spines of a porcupine or hedgehog c : ³pen 3
3 : something made from or resembling the quill of a feather; especially : a pen for writing
4 : a float for a fishing line