QUAIL Meaning and
Definition
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Quail, typically used as a noun or a verb, refers to a small to medium-sized bird belonging to the pheasant family. As a noun, "quail" is used to describe any bird within the Old World family Phasianidae, mainly characterized by short tails and rounded wings. These birds are generally game birds sought after for hunting or for their meat. Quails are known for their plump bodies, distinctive plumage, and ground-dwelling nature. As a verb, "quail" explains an action taken by an individual or an animal when they feel fear, anxiety, or apprehension, resulting in trembling, shrinking back, or losing courage.
The noun "quail" can also refer to the meat of such birds, often consumed for their delicate flavor and tender texture. It is a popular ingredient in various cuisines around the world, complementing dishes like stews, pies, or even sushi. Additionally, "quail" can describe a person who is timid, easily frightened, or lacks boldness.
Symbolically, "quail" can signify vulnerability, fragility, or even a sense of impending danger or ill fortune. It is often used in literature or expressions to depict a state of trembling or shrinking due to fear or anxiety. Overall, the term "quail" encapsulates the avian species, their characteristics, the meat they provide, as well as the human emotions and behaviors associated with fear and timidity.
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• A bird closely allied to the partridge, and esteemed for its flesh.
• To quake; to tremble under bodily fear or horror; to faint; to languish; to give way.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Top Common Misspellings for QUAIL *
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
Other Common Misspellings for QUAIL
Idioms with the word QUAIL
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quail before
The idiom "quail before" means to feel intimidated, fearful, or hesitant in the face of a person, situation, or challenge. It implies a sense of shrinking back or retreating due to lack of courage or confidence.
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quail before sm or sth
The expression "quail before someone or something" means to feel intimidated, frightened, or overwhelmed by someone or something's power, authority, or presence. It implies that one becomes hesitant, fearful, or submissive in front of the person or situation mentioned.
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quail at sm or sth
The idiom "quail at something" means to feel fear, apprehension, or distress towards someone or something. It suggests being intimidated or terrified by someone or something.
Similar spelling words for QUAIL
Conjugate verb Quail
CONDITIONAL PERFECT
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would have quailed
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would have quailed
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would have quailed
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would have quailed
CONDITIONAL PERFECT PROGRESSIVE
I
would have been quailing
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would have been quailing
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would have been quailing
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would have been quailing
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would have been quailing
CONDITIONAL PRESENT
I
would quail
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would quail
he/she/it
would quail
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would quail
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would quail
CONDITIONAL PRESENT PROGRESSIVE
I
would be quailing
you
would be quailing
he/she/it
would be quailing
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would be quailing
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would be quailing
FUTURE
I
will quail
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will quail
he/she/it
will quail
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will quail
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will quail
FUTURE CONTINUOUS
I
will be quailing
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will be quailing
he/she/it
will be quailing
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will be quailing
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will be quailing
FUTURE PERFECT
I
will have quailed
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will have quailed
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will have quailed
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will have quailed
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will have quailed
FUTURE PERFECT CONTINUOUS
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will have been quailing
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will have been quailing
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will have been quailing
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will have been quailing
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will have been quailing
IMPERATIVE
we
Let´s quail
PAST CONTINUOUS
I
was quailing
you
were quailing
he/she/it
was quailing
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were quailing
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were quailing
PAST PARTICIPLE
quailed
PAST PERFECT
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had quailed
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had quailed
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had quailed
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had quailed
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had quailed
PAST PERFECT CONTINUOUS
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had been quailing
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had been quailing
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had been quailing
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had been quailing
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had been quailing
PRESENT
I
quail
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quail
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quails
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quail
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quail
PRESENT CONTINUOUS
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am quailing
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are quailing
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is quailing
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are quailing
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are quailing
PRESENT PARTICIPLE
quailing
PRESENT PERFECT
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have quailed
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have quailed
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has quailed
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have quailed
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have quailed
PRESENT PERFECT CONTINUOUS
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have been quailing
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have been quailing
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has been quailing
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have been quailing
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have been quailing
PRESENT SUBJUNCTIVE
he/she/it
quail
SIMPLE PAST
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quailed
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quailed
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quailed
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quailed
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quailed
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