Nota: La traducción de esta entrada está actualmente en revisión de calidad, por lo que parte del contenido se muestra temporalmente solo en inglés.
Esta entrada aún no se ha traducido a tu idioma, así que se muestra el original a continuación.
quail
As a noun, this word refers to a specific type of game bird. A notable grammatical quirk is that the plural form can be either "quail" or "quails," though "quail" is more common in hunting and sporting contexts to describe the birds as a collective group.
As a verb, the word describes a visceral reaction of fear. It is more formal and evocative than "be afraid," suggesting a physical shrinking or cowering. It is almost always used in the context of being overwhelmed by a superior force, a terrifying prospect, or an intimidating presence.
Meanings
Examples
The roasted quail was served with a delicate lemon butter sauce.
A small quail scurried through the tall grass of the meadow.
We spent the morning hunting quail in the countryside.
The soldiers began to quail before the sheer size of the enemy army.
He felt himself quail in fear as the dark figure approached.
Why do you quail at the mere thought of public speaking?
The young squire quailed before the knight's stern gaze.