quail
/kweɪl/
NOUN
1. A small game bird
A small, short-tailed bird belonging to the pheasant family, typically characterized by a plump body, brownish plumage, and terrestrial habits.
1.1. Bird species and zoological classification
Used to identify small ground-dwelling birds belonging to the quail groups, commonly found in grasslands, fields, woodlands, and agricultural areas.
Synonyms
- bobwhite
- partridge
- pheasant
- francolin
- hemipode
- buttonquail
Examples
- A quail darted through the tall grass when the hikers approached.
- The farmer raises quail for their eggs and meat.
- Several quail gathered beneath the bushes to escape the midday heat.
Related Words
- game bird
- galliform
- Phasianidae
- Odontophoridae
- bird
- wildfowl
- covey
1.2. Quail meat as food
Used to refer to the edible flesh of quail, particularly when prepared as a dish through roasting, grilling, or braising.
Synonyms
- game bird meat
- poultry
Examples
- The restaurant served roasted quail with seasonal vegetables.
- Quail is often considered a delicacy in fine dining.
Related Words
- quail eggs
- roasting
- broiling
- braising
- game meat
- cuisine
VERB
2. To shrink back with fear
To lose courage, become frightened, or withdraw psychologically or physically when confronted with something threatening, intimidating, or difficult.
2.1. Fear and intimidation
Used when someone becomes frightened or intimidated by a person, situation, threat, or anticipated danger and reacts by shrinking back or losing confidence.
Synonyms
- cower
- cringe
- shrink
- blench
- blanch
- flinch
- quake
- tremble
- shudder
- wince
- funk
Antonyms
Examples
- She did not quail at the prospect of speaking before a large audience.
- The soldiers refused to quail in the face of overwhelming opposition.
- He would quail whenever his supervisor raised his voice.
Related Words
- fear
- fright
- intimidation
- anxiety
- apprehension
- cowardice
- timidity
2.2. Losing courage and determination
Used when someone becomes discouraged, hesitant, or less determined in response to difficulties, challenges, or overwhelming responsibilities.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Examples
- The young entrepreneur refused to quail before the challenges of starting a new business.
- Even experienced climbers may quail when confronted with dangerous weather conditions.
- She never quailed in her determination to achieve her goals.
Related Words
- determination
- confidence
- resolve
- perseverance
- uncertainty
- discouragement
- resilience
VERB
3. To weaken or wither
To lose strength, vitality, or effectiveness, or to fade and deteriorate gradually.
3.1. Declining strength or vitality
Used in older or literary language to describe something gradually losing its strength, vigor, or vitality.
Synonyms
Antonyms
- strengthen
- flourish
- thrive
- revive
Examples
- His confidence began to quail after repeated failures.
- The old literary expression describes courage that gradually quails under pressure.