n.
Pronunciation: ' kwil
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 quill s >
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 : 3 PEN 3
3 : something made from or resembling the quill of a feather especially : a pen for writing
4 : a float for a fishing line