Definition

Noun: 1. The hollow, stiff, central shaft of a feather: The main stem of a feather, which is hollow and provides structure. 2. A large, stiff feather from a bird's wing or tail: Specifically, one of the long, strong feathers used for flight or display. 3. A sharp, hollow, defensive spine on an animal: A stiff, pointed hair, as on a porcupine or hedgehog, used for protection. 4. A pen made from a bird's feather: A writing instrument historically made by sharpening the tip of a large feather, especially a goose feather.

Usage Examples

• Noun (Feather Shaft):
  • The quill of the feather is surprisingly strong and light.
• Noun (Large Feather):
  • The eagle dropped a primary quill from its wing.
• Noun (Animal Spine):
  • The porcupine raised its quills when it felt threatened.
• Noun (Pen):
  • The document was signed with a quill and ink.

Advanced Usage

• "To drive a quill" (idiomatic, archaic/humorous): To write for a living; to be a writer or clerk.
  • In the 19th century, many made their living by driving a quill.

Variants and Related Words

• Quill pen (n): The full term for a pen made from a feather.
• Quill feather (n): Another term for a large wing or tail feather.

Synonyms

• Shaft (for the feather part).
• Spine or bristle (for the animal part).
• Nib or pen (for the writing instrument, though "nib" is the metal point).

Related Phrases

• Quill and ink: Referring to the traditional writing setup.
  • The letter was composed with quill and ink.

Noun

1. the hollow spine of a feather
2. any of the larger wing or tail feathers of a bird
3. a stiff hollow protective spine on a porcupine or hedgehog
4. pen made from a bird's feather