I. ˈkwil 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. : pen III,3
3. : something made from or resembling the quill of a feather ; especially : a pen for writing
4. : a float for a fishing line
II. transitive verb
Date: 1783
1. : to pierce with quills
2.
a. : to wind (thread or yarn) on a quill
b. : to make a series of small rounded ridges in (cloth)