I. ˈkwāvə(r) verb
( quavered ; quavered ; quavering -v(ə)riŋ ; quavers )
Etymology: Middle English quaveren, freq. of quaven to tremble
intransitive verb
1. : tremble , vibrate , shake
was quavering inwardly with nervousness — Marcia Davenport
2. : to trill with the voice or on a musical instrument
3. : to utter sound in tremulous uncertain tones
the full voice quavered and broke — Zane Grey
transitive verb
: to utter with quavers ; especially : to sing with trills or quavers
eldest inhabitants … quaver out folk songs — Max Beerbohm
II. noun
( -s )
1. : eighth note
2. : a trill in singing
3. : a tremulous uncertainty of tone (as in the voice due to emotion, old age)