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 33: something made from or resembling the quill of a feather ; especially : a pen for writing4: a float for a fishing line