[quill] n [ME quil hollow reed, bobbin; akin to MHG kil large feather] (15c) 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 ~s"
2. a (1): the hollow horny shaft of a feather--see feather illustration (2): feather; esp: 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; esp: a pen for writing
4: a float for a fishing line
[2]quill vt (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)