■ adjective ( ~er , ~est )
1》 making little or no noise.
↘free from activity, disturbance, or excitement.
↘undisturbed; uninterrupted.
2》 discreet, moderate, or restrained.
↘(of a person) tranquil and reserved.
↘(of a colour or garment) unobtrusive.
■ noun silence; calm.
■ verb chiefly N. Amer. make or become ~.
Phrases
keep ~ refrain from speaking or revealing a secret.
keep something ~ keep something secret.
on the ~ informal secretly or unobtrusively.
Derivatives
~en verb
~ly adverb
~ness noun
Origin
ME (asnoun denoting peace as opposed to war): via OFr., based on L. quies , ~- 'repose, ~'.