goose-quill
Definition
- Noun:
- A large feather from a goose, historically used as a writing implement (pen) after being cut and shaped.
- By extension, a pen made from such a feather, used for writing with ink before the widespread use of metal nibs.
Usage Examples
- (A feather pen used for writing.)
- (The feathers themselves, intended for making pens.)
Advanced Usage
"to take up the goose-quill": to begin writing, especially in a formal or literary context.
- He took up the goose-quill to record his thoughts in his diary. (He started writing with a feather pen.)
"goose-quill pen": a specific type of pen made from a goose feather, often contrasted with metal nibs or modern pens.
- The old manuscript was written with a goose-quill pen, as was common in the 18th century. (A historical writing tool.)
Variants and Related Words
Quill (n): a hollow, stiff feather from a bird, especially used for writing.
- The quill was sharpened to a fine point for delicate lettering. (A feather used as a pen.)
Goose (n): the bird from which the feather is taken.
- The goose shed its feathers in the spring. (The bird providing the quill.)
Synonyms
- Feather pen: a pen made from a bird's feather.
- Writing quill: a quill specifically used for writing.
Phrasal Verbs
Related Idioms
"To wield the goose-quill": to write with authority or skill.
- The journalist wielded the goose-quill with great effect in his editorials. (He wrote powerfully and effectively, using a quill as a metaphor.)
"Goose-quill days": a nostalgic reference to the era when feather pens were the primary writing tool.
- In the goose-quill days, letters were crafted with care and patience. (The historical period of quill pens.)