01 n. One of the large feathers of a bird's wing, or one of the rectrices of the tail; also, the stock of such a feather.
-
1.
One of the large feathers of a bird's wing, or one of the rectrices of the tail; also, the stock of such a feather.
-
2.
A pen for writing made by sharpening and splitting the point or nib of the stock of a feather; as, history is the proper subject of his quill.
-
3.
A spine of the hedgehog or porcupine.(Zool.)
-
4.
The plectrum with which musicians strike the strings of certain instruments.(Mus.)“He touched the tender stops of various quills.” — Milton.
-
5.
Something having the form of a quill(Weaving)
-
6.
A roll of dried bark; as, a quill of cinnamon or of cinchona.(Pharm.)
Phrases & compounds
Quill bit —
a bit for boring resembling the half of a reed split lengthways and having its end sharpened like a gouge.
Quill driver —
one who works with a pen; a writer; a clerk.
Quill nib —
a small quill pen made to be used with a holder.