quail

noun

UK/kweɪl/
US/kweɪl/

Definitions of quail noun

  1. CountableUncountable

    A small, brown bird, often hunted for sport or food; also refers to the meat of this bird.

    • The restaurant's menu features roasted quail.

    • The hunter took his dogs to the fields to hunt for quail.

    • Quail meat has a delicate texture and a delicious flavor.

verb

UK/kweɪl/
US/kweɪl/

Definitions of quail verb

  1. Intransitive

    To feel or show fear; to recoil from something due to fear.

    • He quailed in the face of harsh criticism.

    • The little girl quailed at the sound of thunder.

    • He quailed slightly when asked to give a speech in front of everyone.