quinsy

noun quin·sy \ ˈkwin-zē \

Definition of quinsy

plural quinsies

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

Origin and Etymology 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

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 14th century

in the meaning defined above

See Words from the same year

Medical Dictionary

quinsy

noun quin·sy \ ˈkwin-zē \

medical Definition of quinsy

plural quinsies

: 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