quinsy

quin·sy

noun \ˈkwin-zē\

plural quinsies

Definition of QUINSY

: an abscess in the tissue around a tonsil usually resulting from bacterial infection and often accompanied by pain and fever

Origin of QUINSY

Middle English quinesie, from Anglo-French esquinauncy, quinancie, from Late Latin cynanche, from Greek kynanchē, from kyn-, kyōn dog + anchein to strangle — more at hound, anger

First Known Use: 14th century

quin·sy

noun \ˈkwin-zē\   (Medical Dictionary)

plural ; quin·sies

Medical Definition of QUINSY

: an abscess in the connective tissue around a tonsil usually resulting from bacterial infection and often accompanied by fever, pain, and swelling—called also peritonsillar abscess