quail

Reading level: hard

Estimated CEFR level: C1 — Advanced

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

  1. noun flesh of quail; suitable for roasting or broiling if young; otherwise must be braised
  2. noun small gallinaceous game birds
  3. verb draw back, as with fear or pain

Etymology

From Middle English quaylen, from Middle Dutch queilen, quēlen, from Old Dutch *quelan, from Proto-West Germanic *kwelan, from Proto-Germanic *kwelaną (“to suffer”). Doublet of queal.

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