1. v. & n.
--n. the harsh sound made by ducks.
--v.intr.
1. utter this sound.
2 colloq. talk loudly and foolishly.
Etymology: imit.: cf. Du. kwakken, G quacken croak, quack 2. n.1 a an unqualified practiser of medicine. b (attrib.) of or characteristic of unskilled medical practice ( quack cure).
2 a charlatan.
3 sl. any doctor or medical officer.
Derivatives:
quackery n. quackish adj.
Etymology: abbr. of quacksalver f. Du. (prob. f. obs. quacken prattle + salf SALVE(1))