The Collaborative International Dictionary
Quill \Quill\, n. [Perhaps fr. F. quille ninepin (see Kayless); but cf. also G. kiel a quill. MHG. kil, and Ir. cuille a quill.]
One of the large feathers of a bird's wing, or one of the rectrices of the tail; also, the stock of such a feather.
A pen for writing made by sharpening and splitting the point or nib of the stock of a feather; as, history is the proper subject of his quill.
--Sir H. Wotton.-
(Zo["o]l.)
A spine of the hedgehog or porcupine.
The pen of a squid. See Pen.
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(Mus.)
The plectrum with which musicians strike the strings of certain instruments.
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The tube of a musical instrument.
He touched the tender stops of various quills.
--Milton.
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Something having the form of a quill; as:
The fold or plain of a ruff.
(Weaving) A spindle, or spool, as of reed or wood, upon which the thread for the woof is wound in a shuttle.
(Mach.) A hollow spindle.
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(Pharm.) A roll of dried bark; as, a quill of cinnamon or of cinchona.
Quill bit, a bit for boring resembling the half of a reed split lengthways and having its end sharpened like a gouge.
Quill driver, one who works with a pen; a writer; a clerk.
Quill nib, a small quill pen made to be used with a holder.
--Simmonds.