quiverful
Definition
Noun - A full quiver: "quiverful" refers to the amount that a quiver (a container for arrows) can hold, typically used in archery contexts. - A large family: In figurative or humorous use, "quiverful" denotes a family with many children, especially when considered as a source of pride or abundance (derived from the biblical metaphor of children as arrows in a quiver).
Usage Examples
- (A container filled with arrows.)
- (A large family, often used humorously.)
Advanced Usage
- Biblical allusion: The term often alludes to Psalm 127:4–5 ("Like arrows in the hand of a warrior, so are the children of one's youth. Happy is the man who has his quiver full of them"), where "quiverful" symbolizes many children as a blessing.
- She boasted of her quiverful, seeing each child as a gift. (She proudly spoke of her many children, viewing them as blessings.)
Variants and Related Words
- Quiver (n): a case for holding arrows.
- He slung his quiver over his shoulder. (The container for arrows.)
- Quiverful is a compound word (quiver + -ful), but as a single unit, it is used as a noun.
Synonyms
- Arsenal: a large supply (in a military sense), but not identical.
- Brood: a group of children (often informal or humorous).
- Crowd: a large number of people, especially children.
Related Idioms
- A quiver full of arrows: a metaphor for many children or resources.
- They considered their large family a quiver full of arrows. (They saw their many children as a source of strength.)
Phrasal Verbs
- None directly associated with "quiverful". However, "to have a quiverful" can be used as a set phrase.
- She has a quiverful of ideas for the project. (She has many ideas, in a figurative extension.)