Quab, v. i. See Quob, v. i.
Qua-bird
Qua´-bird, n. (Zoöl.) The American night heron. See under Night.
Quack, v. i. [ imp. & p. p. Qvacked p. pr. & vb. n. Quacking.] [Of imitative origin; cf. D. kwaken, G. quacken, quaken, Icel. kvaka to twitter.]
1. To utter a sound like the cry of a duck.
2. To make vain and loud pretensions; to boast. " To quack of universal cures." Hudibras.
3. To act the part of a quack, or pretender.
Quack, n.
1. The cry of the duck, or a sound in imitation of it; a hoarse, quacking noise. Chaucer.
2. [Cf. Quacksalver.] A boastful pretender to medical skill; an empiric; an ignorant practitioner.
3. Hence, one who boastfully pretends to skill or knowledge of any kind not possessed; a charlatan.
"Quacks political; quacks scientific, academical." Carlyle.
Quackish
Quack´ish, a. Like a quack; boasting; characterized by quackery. Burke.
Quackle
Quac´kle, v. i. & t. [ imp. & p. p. Quackled p. pr. & vb. n. Quackling ] [Cf.Querken.] To suffocate; to choke. [Prov. Eng.]
Quacksalver
Quack´sal•ver, n. [D. kwakzalver; cf. kwakzalven to quack or boast of one’s salves. See Quack, Salve, n. ] One who boasts of his skill in medicines and salves, or of the efficacy of his prescriptions; a charlatan; a quack; a mountebank. [Obs.] Burton. { Quad, Quade }, a. [Akin to AS. cwaed, cwead, dung, evil, G. kot, dung, OHG. quat.] Evil; bad; baffling; as a quade wind. [Obs.]
"Sooth play, quad play, as the Fleming saith." Chaucer.
Quad, n. (Arch.) A quadrangle; hence, a prison. [Cant or Slang]
Quadrable
Quad´ra•ble, a. [See Quadrate.] (Math.) That may be sqyared, or reduced to an equivalent square; — said of a surface when the area limited by a curve can be exactly found, and expressed in a finite number of algebraic terms.
Quadragesima
Quad•ra•ges´i•ma, n. [L., fr. quadragesimus the fortieth, fr. quadraginta forty; akin to quattuor four. See Four.] (Eccl.) The forty days of fast preceding Easter; Lent. Quadragesima Sunday, the first Sunday in Lent, about forty days before Easter.
Quadragesimal
Quad•ra•ges´i•mal, a. [Cf. F. quadragesimal.] Belonging to Lent; used in Lent; Lenten.
Quadrangle
Quad´ran•gle, n. [F., fr. L. quadrangulum; quattuor four + angulus an angle. See Four, and Angle a corner.]
1. (Geom.) A plane figure having four angles, and consequently four sides; any figure having four angles.
2. A square or quadrangular space or inclosure, such a space or court surrounded by buildings, esp. such a court in a college or public school in England.
Quadrans
Quad´rans, n. ; pl. Quadrantes (#). [L.]
1. (Rom. Antiq.) A fourth part of the coin called an as. See 3d as 2.
2. The fourth of a penny; a farthing. See Cur.
Quadrant
Quad´rant, n. [L. quadrans, -antis, a fourth part, a fourth of a whole, fr. quattuor four: cf. F. quadrant, cadran. See Four, and cf. Cadrans.]
1. The fourth part; the quarter. [Obs.] Sir T. Browne.
2. (Geom.) The quarter of a circle, or of the circumference of a circle, an arc of 90°, or one subtending a right angle at the center.
3. (Anal. (Geom.) One of the four parts into which a plane is divided by the coördinate axes. The upper right-hand part is the first quadrant; the upper left-hand part the second; the lower left-hand part the third; and the lower right-hand part the fourth quadrant.
4. An instrument for measuring altitudes, variously constructed and mounted for different specific uses in astronomy, surveying, gunnery, etc., consisting commonly of a graduated arc of 90°, with an index or vernier, and either plain or telescopic sights, and usually having a plumb line or spirit level for fixing the vertical or horizontal direction. Gunner’s quadrant, an instrument consisting of a graduated limb, with a plumb line or spirit level, and an arm by which it is applied to a cannon or mortar in adjusting it to the elevation required for attaining the desired range. — Gunter’s quadrant. See Gunter’s quadrant, in the Vocabulary. — Hadley’s quadrant, a hand instrument used chiefly at sea to measure the altitude of the sun or other celestial body in ascertaining the vessel’s position. It consists of a frame in the form of an octant having a graduated scale upon its arc, and an index arm, or alidade pivoted at its apex. Mirrors, called the index glass and the horizon glass, are fixed one upon the index arm and the other upon one side of the frame, respectively. When the instrument is held upright, the index arm may be swung so that the index glass will reflect an image of the sun upon the horizon glass, and when the reflected image of the sun coincides, to the observer’s eye, with the horizon as seen directly through an opening at the side of the horizon glass, the index shows the sun’s altitude upon the scale; — more properly, but less commonly, called an octant. — Quadrant of altitude, an appendage of the artificial globe, consisting of a slip of brass of the length of a quadrant of one of the great circles of the globe, and graduated. It may be fitted to the meridian, and being movable round to all points of the horizon, serves as a scale in measuring altitudes, azimuths, etc.
Quadrat
Quad´rat, n. [F. quadrat, cadrat. See Quadrate.]
1. (Print.) A block of type metal lower than the letters, — used in spacing and in blank lines. [Abbrev. quad.]
2. An old instrument used for taking altitudes; — called also geometrical square, and line of shadows.
Quadrate
Quad´rate, a. [L. quadratus squared, p. p. of quadrare to make four-cornered, to make square, to square, to fit, suit, from quadrus square, quattuor four. See Quadrant, and cf. Quadrat, Quarry an arrow, Square.]
1. Having four equal sides, the opposite sides parallel, and four right angles; square.
"Figures, some round, some triangle, some quadrate." Foxe.
2. Produced by multiplying a number by itself; square. " Quadrate and cubical numbers." Sir T. Browne.
3. Square; even; balanced; equal; exact. [Archaic] " A quadrate, solid, wise man." Howell.
4. Squared; suited; correspondent. [Archaic] " A generical description quadrate to both." Harvey. Quadrate bone (Anat.), a bone between the base of the lower jaw and the skull in most vertebrates below the mammals. In reptiles and birds it articulates the lower jaw with the skull; in mammals it is represented by the malleus or incus.
Quadrate
Quad´rate, n. [L. quadratum. See Quadrate, a. ]
1. (Geom.) A plane surface with four equal sides and four right angles; a square; hence, figuratively, anything having the outline of a square.
"At which command, the powers militant
That stood for heaven, in mighty quadrate joined." Milton.
2. (Astrol.) An aspect of the heavenly bodies in which they are distant from each other 90°, or the quarter of a circle; quartile. See the Note under Aspect, 6.
3. (Anat.) The quadrate bone.
Quadrate
Quad´rate, v. i. [ imp. & p. p. Quadrated p. pr. & vb. n. Quadrating.] [See Quadrate, a. ] To square; to agree; to suit; to correspond; — followed by with. [Archaic]
"The objections of these speculatists of its forms do not quadrate with their theories." Burke.
Quadratics
Quad•rat´ics, n. (Alg.) That branch of algebra which treats of quadratic equations.
Quadrature
Quad´ra•ture, n. [L. quadratura: cf. F. quadrature. See Quadrate, a. ]
1. (Math.) The act of squaring; the finding of a square having the same area as some given curvilinear figure; as the quadrature of a circle; the operation of finding an expression for the area of a figure bounded wholly or in part by a curved line, as by a curve, two ordinates, and the axis of abscissas.
2. A quadrate; a square. Milton.
3. (Integral Calculus) The integral used in obtaining the area bounded by a curve; hence, the definite integral of the product of any function of one variable into the differential of that variable.
4. (Astron.) The position of one heavenly body in respect to another when distant from it 90°, or a quarter of a circle, as the moon when at an equal distance from the points of conjunction and opposition. Quadrature of the moon (Astron.), the position of the moon when one half of the disk is illuminated. — Quadrature of an orbit (Astron.), a point in an orbit which is at either extremity of the latus rectum drawn through the empty focus of the orbit.
Quadrel
Quad´rel, n. [It. quadrello, LL. quadrellus, fr. L. quadrus square. See Quadrate, and cf. Quarrel an arrow.]
1. A square piece of turf or peat. [Prov. Eng.]
2. A square brick, tile, or the like.
Quadrennial
Quad•ren´ni•al, a. [L. quadriennium a space of four years; quattuor four + annus year; cf. L. quadriennis. See Quadrate, and Annual.]
1. Comprising four years; as a quadrennial period.
2. Occurring once in four years, or at the end of every four years; as quadrennial games.
Quadrennium
Quad•ren´ni•um, n. [NL. See Quadrennial.] A space or period of four years.
Quadri-
Quad´ri- [L., from quattuor four. See Four.] A combining form meaning four, four times, fourfold; as quadricapsular, having four capsules.
Quadribasic
Quad•ri•ba´sic, a. [ Quadri- + basic.] (Chem.) Same as Tetrabasic.
Quadric
Quad´ric, a. (Math.) Of or pertaining to the second degree.
Quadric
Quad´ric, n. (a) (Alg.) A quantic of the second degree. See Quantic. (b) (Geom.) A surface whose equation in three variables is of the second degree. Spheres, spheroids, ellipsoids, paraboloids, hyperboloids, also cones and cylinders with circular bases, are quadrics.
Quadricapsular
Quad•ri•cap´su•lar, a. [ Quadri- + capsular.] (Bot.) Having four capsules.
Quadricipital
Quad•ri•cip´i•tal, n. (Anat.) Of or pertaining to the quadriceps.
Quadricorn
Quad´ri•corn, n. [See Quadricornous.] (Zoöl.) Any quadricornous animal.
Quadricostate
Quad•ri•cos´tate, a. [ Quadri- + costate.] Having four ribs.
Quadridentate
Quad•ri•den´tate, a. [ Quadri- + dentate.] Having four teeth; as a quadridentate leaf.
Quadrifarious
Quad•ri•fa´ri•ous, a. [L. quadrifarius fourfold, fr. quattuor four: cf. F. quadrifarie. Cf. Multifarious.] Arranged in four rows or ranks; as quadrifarious leaves. Loudon.
Quadrifurcated
Quad•ri•fur´ca•ted, a. [ Quadri- + furcated.] Having four forks, or branches.
Quadriga
Quad•ri´ga, n. ; pl. Quadrigae (#). [L. See Quadrijugous.] (Rom. Antiq.) A car or chariot drawn by four horses abreast. { Quad•ri•gem´i•nal, Quad•ri•gem´i•nous, } a. [ Quadri- + L. gemini twins.] Fourfold; having four similar parts, or two pairs of similar parts. Quadrigeminal bodies (Anat.), two pairs of lobes, or elevations, on the dorsal side of the midbrain of most mammals; the optic lobes. The anterior pair are called the nates, and the posterior the testes.
Quadrilateral
Quad•ri•lat´er•al, a. [L. quadrilaterus: cf. F. quadrilatère, quadrilateral. See Quadri- and Lateral.] Having four sides, and consequently four angles; quadrangular.
Quadrilateralness
Quad•ri•lat´er•al•ness, n. The property of being quadrilateral.
Quadriliteral
Quad•ri•lit´er•al, a. [ Quadri- + literal.] Consisting of four letters.
Quadrille
Qua•drille´, n. [F. quadrille, n. fem., fr. Sp. cuadrilla meeting of four or more persons or It. quadriglia a band of soldiers, a sort of dance; dim. fr. L. quadra a square, fr. quattuor four. See Quadrate.]
1. A dance having five figures, in common time, four couples of dancers being in each set.
2. The appropriate music for a quadrille.
Quadrille
Qua•drille´, n. [F. quadrille, n. masc., cf. It. quadriglio; or perhaps from the Spanish. See Quadrille a dance.] A game played by four persons with forty cards, being the remainder of an ordinary pack after the tens, nines, and eights are discarded. Hoyle.
Quadrillion
Quad•ril´lion, n. [F., fr. L. quater four times, akin to quattuor four, E. four; — formed like million. See Four, Million.] According to the French notation, which is followed also upon the Continent and in the United States, a unit with fifteen ciphers annexed; according to the English notation, the number produced by involving a million to the fourth power, or the number represented by a unit with twenty-four ciphers annexed. See the Note under Numeration. { Quad•ri•lo´bate, Quad•ri•lobed } a. [ Quadri- + lobe: cf. F. quadrilobe.] Having four lobes; as a quadrilobate leaf.
Quadrinominal
Quad•ri•nom´i•nal, a. [ Quadri- + nominal.] (Alg.) Quadrinomial. Sir W. R. Hamilton.
Quadriphyllous
Quad•riph´yl•lous, a. [ Quadri + Gr. leaf.] (Bot.) Having four leaves; quadrifoliate.
Quadrisection
Quad•ri•sec´tion, n. [ Quadri- + section.] A subdivision into four parts.
Quadrivalence
Quad•riv´a•lence, n. (Chem.) The quality or state of being quadrivalent; tetravalence.
Quadrivalent
Quad•riv´a•lent, a. [ Quadri- + L. valens, -entis, p. pr. See Valence.] (Chem.) Having a valence of four; capable of combining with, being replaced by, or compared with, four monad atoms; tetravalent; — said of certain atoms and radicals; thus, carbon and silicon are quadrivalent elements.
Quadrivalve
Quad´ri•valve, n. (Arch.) A door, shutter, or the like, having four folds.
Quadrivalvular
Quad•ri•val´vu•lar, a. Having four valves; quadrivalve.
Quadrivial
Quad•riv´i•al, n. One of the four "liberal arts" making up the quadrivium.
Quadrivium
Quad•riv´i•um, n. [L.] The four "liberal arts," arithmetic, music, geometry, and astronomy; — so called by the schoolmen. See Trivium.
Quadroon
Quad•roon´, n. [F. quarteron, or Sp. cuarteron. See Quarter a fourth part, and cf. Quarteron.] The offspring of a mulatto and a white person; a person quarter-blooded. [Written also quarteron, quarteroon, and quateron.]
Quadroxide
Quad•rox´ide, n. [ Quadri- + oxide.] (Chem.) A tetroxide. [R.]
Quadrumana
Quad•ru´ma•na, n. pl. [NL. See Quadrumane.] (Zoöl.) A division of the Primates comprising the apes and monkeys; — so called because the hind foot is usually prehensile, and the great toe opposable somewhat like a thumb. Formerly the Quadrumana were considered an order distinct from the Bimana, which last included man alone.
Quadrumanous
Quad•ru´ma•nous, a. (Zoöl.) Having four hands; of or pertaining to the Quadrumana.
Quadruped
Quad´ru•ped, a. [L. quadrupes, -pedis; quattuor four + pes, pedis, a foot: cf. F. quadrupède. See Quadrate, and Foot.] Having four feet.
Quadrupedal
Quad•ru´pe•dal, a. (Zoöl.) Having four feet; of or pertaining to a quadruped.
Quadruple
Quad´ru•ple, a. [L. quadruplus, from quattuor four: cf. F. quadruple. See Quadrate, and cf. Double.] Fourfold; as to make quadruple restitution; a quadruple alliance. Quadruple time (Mus.), that in which each measure is divided into four equal parts.
Quadruple
Quad´ru•ple, v. t. [ imp. & p. p. Quadrupled p. pr. & vb. n. Quadrupling ] [L. quadruplare: cf. F. quadrupler.] To multiply by four; to increase fourfold; to double; to double twice. A. Smith.
Quadruplet
Quad´ru•plet, n. [From Quadruple.]
1. A collection or combination of four of a kind.
2. pl. Four children born in the same labor.
3. A cycle for carrying four riders, so arranged that all the reders can assist in the propulsion.
Quadruplicate
Quad•ru´pli•cate, v. t. [ imp. & p. p. Quadruplicated p. pr. & vb. n. Quadruplicating.] [L. quadruplicatus, p. p. of quadruplicare, fr. quadruple fourfold. See Quadruplex.] To make fourfold; to double twice; to quadruple.
Quaff, v. t. [ imp. & p. p. Quaffed p. pr. & vb. n. Quaffing.] [For quach, fr. Gael. & Ir. cuach a drinking cup; cf. L. caucus a drinking vessel. Cf. Quaigh.] To drink with relish; to drink copiously of; to swallow in large draughts. "Quaffed off the muscadel." Shak.
"They eat, they drink, and in communion sweet Quaff immortality and joy." Milton.
Quag, n. A quagmire. [R.] "Crooked or straight, through quags or thorny dells." Cowper.
Quaggy
Quag´gy, a. [See Quag, Quagmire.] Of the nature of a quagmire; yielding or trembling under the foot, as soft, wet earth; spongy; boggy. "O’er the watery strath, or quaggy moss." Collins.
Quagmire
Quag´mire, n. [ Quake + mire.] Soft, wet, miry land, which shakes or yields under the feet. "A spot surrounded by quagmires, which rendered it difficult of access." Palfrey.
Syn. — Morass; marsh; bog; swamp; fen; slough. { Qua´hog, Qua´haug }, n. [Abbrev. fr. Narragansett Indian poquaûhock.] (Zoöl.) An American market clam ( Venus mercenaria). It is sold in large quantities, and is highly valued as food. Called also round clam, and hard clam. The name is also applied to other allied species, as Venus Mortoni of the Gulf of Mexico. { Quaigh, Quaich }, n. [Gael. cuach. Cf. Quaff.] A small shallow cup or drinking vessel. [Scot.] [Written also quegh.]
Quail, v. i. [ imp. & p. p. Qualled p. pr. & vb. n. Qualling.] [AS. cwelan to die, perish; akin to cwalu violent death, D. kwaal pain, G. qual torment, OHG. quelan to suffer torment, Lith. gelti to hurt, gela pain. Cf. Quell.]
1. To die; to perish; hence, to wither; to fade. [Obs.] Spenser.
2. To become quelled; to become cast down; to sink under trial or apprehension of danger; to lose the spirit and power of resistance; to lose heart; to give way; to shrink; to cower.
"The atheist power shall quail, and confess his fears. I. Taylor.
Stouter hearts than a woman’s have quailed in this terrible winter." Longfellow.
Syn. — to cower; flinch; shrink; quake; tremble; blench; succumb; yield.
Quail, v. t. [Cf. Quell.] To cause to fail in spirit or power; to quell; to crush; to subdue. [Obs.] Spenser.
Quail, v. i. [OF. coaillier, F. cailler, from L. coagulare. See Coagulate.] To curdle; to coagulate, as milk. [Obs.] Holland.
Quail, n. [OF. quaille, F. caille, LL. quaquila, qualia, qualea, of Dutch or German origin; cf. D. kwakkel, kwartel, OHG. wahtala, G. wachtel.]
1. (Zoöl.) Any gallinaceous bird belonging to Coturnix and several allied genera of the Old World, especially the common European quail ( C. communis), the rain quail ( C. Coromandelica) of India, the stubble quail ( C. pectoralis), and the Australian swamp quail ( Synoicus australis).
2. (Zoöl.) Any one of several American partridges belonging to Colinus, Callipepla, and allied genera, especially the bobwhite (called Virginia quail, and Maryland quail), and the California quail ( Calipepla Californica).
3. (Zoöl.) Any one of numerous species of Turnix and allied genera, native of the Old World, as the Australian painted quail ( Turnix varius). See Turnix.
4. A prostitute; — so called because the quail was thought to be a very amorous bird.[Obs.] Shak. Bustard quail (Zoöl.), a small Asiatic quail-like bird of the genus Turnix, as T. taigoor, a black-breasted species, and the hill bustard quail ( T. ocellatus). See Turnix. — Button quail (Zoöl.), one of several small Asiatic species of Turnix, as T. Sykesii, which is said to be the smallest game bird of India. — Mountain quail. See under Mountain. — Quail call, a call or pipe for alluring quails into a net or within range. — Quail dove (Zoöl.), any one of several American ground pigeons belonging to Geotrygon and allied genera. — Quail hawk (Zoöl.), the New Zealand sparrow hawk ( Hieracidea Novae-Hollandiae). — Quail pipe. See Quail call, above. — Quail snipe (Zoöl.), the dowitcher, or red-breasted snipe; — called also robin snipe, and brown snipe. — Sea quail (Zoöl.), the turnstone. [Local, U. S.]
Quaily
Quail´y, n. [Cf. Quail the bird.] (Zoöl.) The upland plover. [Canadian]
Quaint, a. [OE. queint, queynte, coint, prudent, wise, cunning, pretty, odd, OF. cointe cultivated, amiable, agreeable, neat, fr. L. cognitus known, p. p. of cognoscere to know; con + noscere (for gnoscere) to know. See Know, and cf. Acquaint, Cognition.]
1. Prudent; wise; hence, crafty; artful; wily. [Obs.]
"Clerks be full subtle and full quaint." Chaucer.
2. Characterized by ingenuity or art; finely fashioned; skillfully wrought; elegant; graceful; nice; neat. [Archaic] " The queynte ring." " His queynte spear." Chaucer. " A shepherd young quaint." Chapman.
"Every look was coy and wondrous quaint." Spenser.
"To show bow quaint an orator you are." Shak.
3. Curious and fanciful; affected; odd; whimsical; antique; archaic; singular; unusual; as quaint architecture; a quaint expression.
"Some stroke of quaint yet simple pleasantry." Macaulay.
"An old, long-faced, long-bodied servant in quaint livery." W. Irving.
Syn. — Quaint, Odd, Antique. Antique is applied to that which has come down from the ancients, or which is made to imitate some ancient work of art. Odd implies disharmony, incongruity, or unevenness. An odd thing or person is an exception to general rules of calculation and procedure, or expectation and common experience. In the current use of quaint, the two ideas of odd and antique are combined, and the word is commonly applied to that which is pleasing by reason of both these qualities. Thus, we speak of the quaint architecture of many old buildings in London; or a quaint expression, uniting at once the antique and the fanciful.
Quaintness
Quaint´ness, n. The quality of being quaint. Pope.
Quair, n. [See 3d Quire.] A quire; a book. [Obs.] "The king’s quhair." James I. (of Scotland).
Quake, v. i. [ imp. & p. p. Quaked p. pr. & vb. n. Quaking.] [AS. cwacian; cf. G. quackeln. Cf. Quagmire.]
1. To be agitated with quick, short motions continually repeated; to shake with fear, cold, etc.; to shudder; to tremble. "Quaking for dread." Chaucer.
"She stood quaking like the partridge on which the hawk is ready to seize." Sir P. Sidney.
2. To shake, vibrate, or quiver, either from not being solid, as soft, wet land, or from violent convulsion of any kind; as the earth quakes; the mountains quake. " Over quaking bogs." Macaulay.
Quake, v. t. [Cf. AS. cweccan to move, shake. See Quake, v. t.] To cause to quake. [Obs.] Shak.
Quake, n. A tremulous agitation; a quick vibratory movement; a shudder; a quivering.
Quaker
Quak´er, n.
1. One who quakes.
2. One of a religious sect founded by George Fox, of Leicestershire, England, about 1650, — the members of which call themselves Friends. They were called Quakers, originally, in derision. See Friend, n. , 4.
"Fox’s teaching was primarily a preaching of repentance … The trembling among the listening crowd caused or confirmed the name of Quakers given to the body; men and women sometimes fell down and lay struggling as if for life." Encyc. Brit.
3. (Zoöl.) (a) The nankeen bird. (b) The sooty albatross. (c) Any grasshopper or locust of the genus ( Edipoda; — so called from the quaking noise made during flight. Quaker buttons. (Bot.) See Nux vomica. — Quaker gun, a dummy cannon made of wood or other material; — so called because the sect of Friends, or Quakers, hold to the doctrine, of nonresistance. — Quaker ladies (Bot.), a low American biennial plant ( Houstonia caerulea), with pretty four- lobed corollas which are pale blue with a yellowish center; — also called bluets, and little innocents.
Quakeress
Quak´er•ess, n. A woman who is a member of the Society of Friends.
Quakerish
Quak´er•ish, a. Like or pertaining to a Quaker; Quakerlike.
Quakerism
Quak´er•ism, n. The peculiar character, manners, tenets, etc., of the Quakers.
Quakerly
Quak´er•ly, a. Resembling Quakers; Quakerlike; Quakerish. Macaulay.
Quakiness
Quak´i•ness, n. The state of being quaky; liability to quake.
Quaking
Quak´ing, a. & n. from Quake, v. Quaking aspen (Bot.), an American species of poplar ( Populus tremuloides), the leaves of which tremble in the lightest breeze. It much resembles the European aspen. See Aspen. — Quaking bog, a bog of forming peat so saturated with water that it shakes when trodden upon. — Quaking grass. (Bot.) (a) One of several grasses of the genus Briza, having slender-stalked and pendulous ovate spikelets, which quake and rattle in the wind. Briza maxima is the large quaking grass; B. media and B. minor are the smaller kinds. (b) Rattlesnake grass ( Glyceria Canadensis).
Quakingly
Quak´ing•ly, adv. In a quaking manner; fearfully. Sir P. Sidney.
Qualifiable
Qual´i•fi•a•ble, a. Capable of being qualified; abatable; modifiable. Barrow.
Qualification
Qual•i•fi•ca´tion, n. [Cf. F. qualification. See Qualify.]
1. The act of qualifying, or the condition of being qualified.
2. That which qualifies; any natural endowment, or any acquirement, which fits a person for a place, office, or employment, or which enables him to sustian any character with success; an enabling quality or circumstance; requisite capacity or possession.
"There is no qualification for government but virtue and wisdom, actual or presumptive." Burke.
3. The act of limiting, or the state of being limited; that which qualifies by limiting; modification; restriction; hence, abatement; diminution; as to use words without any qualification.
Qualified
Qual´i•fied, a.
1. Fitted by accomplishments or endowments.
2. Modified; limited; as a qualified statement. Qualified fee (Law), a base fee, or an estate which has a qualification annexed to it, the fee ceasing with the qualification, as a grant to A and his heirs, tenants of the manor of Dale. — Qualified indorsement (Law), an indorsement which modifies the liability of the indorser that would result from the general principles of law, but does not affect the negotiability of the instrument. Story. — Qualified negative (Legislation), a limited veto power, by which the chief executive in a constitutional government may refuse assent to bills passed by the legislative body, which bills therefore fail to become laws unless upon a reconsideration the legislature again passes them by a certain majority specified in the constitution, when they become laws without the approval of the executive. — Qualified property (Law), that which depends on temporary possession, as that in wild animals reclaimed, or as in the case of a bailment.
Syn. — Competent; fit; adapted. — Qualified, Competent. Competent is most commonly used with respect to native endowments and general ability suited to the performance of a task or duty; qualified with respect to specific acquirements and training.
Qualifiedly
Qual´i•fied•ly, adv. In the way of qualification; with modification or qualification.
Qualifiedness
Qual´i•fied•ness, n. The state of being qualified.
Qualify
Qual´i•fy, v. t. [ imp. & p. p. Qualified p. pr. & vb. n. Qualifying ] [F. qualifier, LL. qualificare, fr. L. qualis how constituted, as + -ficare (in comp.) to make. See Quality, and -Fy.]
1. To make such as is required; to give added or requisite qualities to; to fit, as for a place, office, occupation, or character; to furnish with the knowledge, skill, or other accomplishment necessary for a purpose; to make capable, as of an employment or privilege; to supply with legal power or capacity.
"He had qualified himself for municipal office by taking the oaths to the sovereigns in possession." Macaulay.
2. To give individual quality to; to modulate; to vary; to regulate.
"It hath no larynx … to qualify the sound. " Sir T. Browne.
3. To reduce from a general, undefined, or comprehensive form, to particular or restricted form; to modify; to limit; to restrict; to restrain; as to qualify a statement, claim, or proposition.
4. Hence, to soften; to abate; to diminish; to assuage; to reduce the strength of, as liquors.
"I do not seek to quench your love’s hot fire,
But qualify the fire’s extreme rage." Shak.
5. To soothe; to cure; — said of persons. [Obs.]
"In short space he has them qualified." Spenser.
Syn. — To fit; equip; prepare; adapt; capacitate; enable; modify; soften; restrict; restrain; temper.
Qualitied
Qual´i•tied, a. Furnished with qualities; endowed. [Obs.] "He was well qualitied." Chapman.
Quality
Qual´i•ty, n. ; pl. Qualities (#). [F. qualite, L. qualitas, fr. qualis how constituted, as; akin to E. which. See Which.]
1. The condition of being of such and such a sort as distinguished from others; nature or character relatively considered, as of goods; character; sort; rank.
"We lived most joyful, obtaining acquaintance with many of the city not of the meanest quality." Bacon
2. Special or temporary character; profession; occupation; assumed or asserted rank, part, or position.
"I made that inquiry in quality of an antiquary." Gray.
3. That which makes, or helps to make, anything such as it is; anything belonging to a subject, or predicable of it; distinguishing property, characteristic, or attribute; peculiar power, capacity, or virtue; distinctive trait; as the tones of a flute differ from those of a violin in quality; the great quality of a statesman. Qualities, in metaphysics, are primary or secondary. Primary are those essential to the existence, and even the conception, of the thing, as of matter or spirit Secondary are those not essential to such a conception.
4. An acquired trait; accomplishment; acquisition.
"He had those qualities of horsemanship, dancing, and fencing which accompany a good breeding." Clarendon.
5. Superior birth or station; high rank; elevated character. "Persons of quality." Bacon. Quality binding, a kind of worsted tape used in Scotland for binding carpets, and the like. — The quality, those of high rank or station, as distinguished from the masses, or common people; the nobility; the gentry.
"I shall appear at the masquerade dressed up in my feathers, that the quality may see how pretty they will look in their traveling habits." Addison.
Syn. — Property; attribute; nature; peculiarity; character; sort; rank; disposition; temper.
Qualm, n. [AS. cwealm death, slaughter, pestilence, akin to OS. & OHG. qualm. See Quail to cower.]
1. Sickness; disease; pestilence; death. [Obs.]
" thousand slain and not of qualm ystorve [dead]." Chaucer.
2. A sudden attack of illness, faintness, or pain; an agony. " Qualms of heartsick agony." Milton.
3. Especially, a sudden sensation of nausea.
"For who, without a qualm, hath ever looked
On holy garbage, though by Homer cooked?" Roscommon.
4. A prick or scruple of conscience; uneasiness of conscience; compunction. Dryden.
Quandy
Quan´dy, n. [Etymol. uncertain.] (Zoöl.) The old squaw. [Local, U. S.]
Quannet
Quan´net, n. A flat file having the handle at one side, so as to be used like a plane.
Quantic
Quan´tic, n. [L. quantus how much. See Quantity.] (Math.) A homogeneous algebraic function of two or more variables, in general containing only positive integral powers of the variables, and called quadric, cubic, quartic, etc., according as it is of the second, third, fourth, fifth, or a higher degree. These are further called binary, ternary, quaternary, etc., according as they contain two, three, four, or more variables; thus, the quantic is a binary cubic.
Quantification
Quan•ti•fi•ca´tion, n. [See Quantity.] Modification by a reference to quantity; the introduction of the element of quantity.
"The quantification of the predicate belongs in part to Sir William Hamilton; viz., in its extension to negative propositions." De Quincey.
Quantitive
Quan´ti•tive, a. [See Quantity.] Estimable according to quantity; quantitative. Sir K. Digby.
Quantitively
Quan´ti•tive•ly, adv. So as to be measurable by quantity; quantitatively.
Quantity
Quan´ti•ty, n. ; pl. Quantities (#). [F. quantite, L. quantitas, fr. quantus bow great, how much, akin to quam bow, E. how, who. See Who.]
1. The attribute of being so much, and not more or less; the property of being measurable, or capable of increase and decrease, multiplication and division; greatness; and more concretely, that which answers the question "How much?"; measure in regard to bulk or amount; determinate or comparative dimensions; measure; amount; bulk; extent; size. Hence, in specific uses: (a) (Logic) The extent or extension of a general conception, that is, the number of species or individuals to which it may be applied; also its content or comprehension, that is, the number of its constituent qualities, attributes, or relations. (b) (Gram.) The measure of a syllable; that which determines the time in which it is pronounced; as the long or short quantity of a vowel or syllable. (c) (Mus.) The relative duration of a tone.
2. That which can be increased, diminished, or measured; especially (Math.), anything to which mathematical processes are applicable. Quantity is discrete when it is applied to separate objects, as in number; continuous, when the parts are connected, either in succession, as in time, motion, etc., or in extension, as by the dimensions of space, viz., length, breadth, and thickness.
3. A determinate or estimated amount; a sum or bulk; a certain portion or part; sometimes, a considerable amount; a large portion, bulk, or sum; as a medicine taken in quantities, that is, in large quantities.
"The quantity of extensive and curious information which he had picked up during many months of desultory, but not unprofitable, study." Macaulay. Quantity of estate (Law), its time of continuance, or degree of interest, as in fee, for life, or for years. Wharton (Law Dict. ) — Quantity of matter, in a body, its mass, as determined by its weight, or by its momentum under a given velocity. — Quantity of motion (Mech.), in a body, the relative amount of its motion, as measured by its momentum, varying as the product of mass and velocity. — Known quantities (Math.), quantities whose values are given. — Unknown quantities (Math.), quantities whose values are sought.
Quantivalence
Quan•tiv´a•lence, n. [L. quantus how much + E. valence.] (Chem.) Valence. [Archaic]
Quantivalent
Quan•tiv´a•lent, a. (Chem.) Of or pertaining to quantivalence. [Archaic]
Quantum
Quan´tum, n. ; pl. Quanta (#). [L., neuter of quantus how great, how much. See Quantity,]
1. Quantity; amount. "Without authenticating … the quantum of the charges." Burke.
2. (Math.) A definite portion of a manifoldness, limited by a mark or by a boundary. W. K. Clifford.Quantum meruit [L., as much as he merited] (Law), a count in an action grounded on a promise that the defendant would pay to the plaintiff for his service as much as he should deserve. — Quantum sufficit, or Quantum suff. [L., as much suffices] (Med.), a sufficient quantity. — Quantum valebat [L., as much at it was worth] (Law), a count in an action to recover of the defendant, for goods sold, as much as they were worth. Blackstone.
Quarantine
Quar´an•tine, n. [F. quarantaine, OF. quaranteine, fr. F. quarante forty, L. quadraginta, akin to quattuor four, and E. four: cf. It. quarantina, quarentine. See Four, and cf. Quadragesima.]
1. A space of forty days; — used of Lent.
2. Specifically, the term, originally of forty days, during which a ship arriving in port, and suspected of being infected a malignant contagious disease, is obliged to forbear all intercourse with the shore; hence, such restraint or inhibition of intercourse; also the place where infected or prohibited vessels are stationed. Quarantine is now applied also to any forced stoppage of travel or communication on account of malignant contagious disease, on land as well as by sea.
3. (Eng. Law) The period of forty days during which the widow had the privilege of remaining in the mansion house of which her husband died seized. Quarantine flag, a yellow flag hoisted at the fore of a vessel or hung from a building, to give warning of an infectious disease; — called also the yellow jack, and yellow flag.
Quarantine
Quar•an•tine´, v. t. [ imp. & p. p. Quarantined p. pr. & vb. n. Quarantining.] To compel to remain at a distance, or in a given place, without intercourse, when suspected of having contagious disease; to put under, or in, quarantine.
Quarrel
Quar´rel, n. [OE. quarel, OF. quarrel, F. carreau, LL. quadrellus, from L. quadrus square. See Quadrate, and cf. Quadrel, Quarry an arrow, Carrel.]
1. An arrow for a crossbow; — so named because it commonly had a square head. [Obs.]
"To shoot with arrows and quarrel." Sir J. Mandeville.
"Two arblasts, … with windlaces and quarrels." Sir W. Scott.
2. (Arch.) Any small square or quadrangular member; as: (a) A square of glass, esp. when set diagonally. (b) A small opening in window tracery, of which the cusps, etc., make the form nearly square. (c) A square or lozenge-shaped paving tile.
3. A glazier’s diamond. Simmonds.
4. A four-sided cutting tool or chisel having a diamond-shaped end.
Quarrel
Quar´rel, n. [OE. querele, OF. querele, F. querelle, fr. L. querela, querella, a complaint, fr. queri to complain. See Querulous.]
1. A breach of concord, amity, or obligation; a falling out; a difference; a disagreement; an antagonism in opinion, feeling, or conduct; esp., an angry dispute, contest, or strife; a brawl; an altercation; as he had a quarrel with his father about expenses.
"I will bring a sword upon you that shall avenge the quarrel of my covenant." Lev. xxvi. 25.
"On open seas their quarrels they debate." Dryden.
2. Ground of objection, dislike, difference, or hostility; cause of dispute or contest; occasion of altercation.
"Herodias had a quarrel against him, and would have killed him." Mark vi. 19.
"No man hath any quarrel to me." Shak.
"He thought he had a good quarrel to attack him." Holinshed.
3. Earnest desire or longing. [Obs.] Holland. To pick a quarrel. See under Pick, v. t.
Syn. — Brawl; broil; squabble; affray; feud; tumult; contest; dispute; altercation; contention; wrangle.
Quarrel
Quar´rel, v. i. [ imp. & p. p. Quarreled or Quarrelled; p. pr. & vb. n. Quarreling or Quarrelling.]
1. To violate concord or agreement; to have a difference; to fall out; to be or become antagonistic.
"Our people quarrel with obedience." Shak.
"But some defect in her
Did quarrel with the noblest grace she owed." Shak.
2. To dispute angrily, or violently; to wrangle; to scold; to altercate; to contend; to fight.
"Beasts called sociable quarrel in hunger and lust." Sir W. Temple.
3. To find fault; to cavil; as to quarrel with one’s lot.
"I will not quarrel with a slight mistake." Roscommon.
Quarrelet
Quar´rel•et, n. A little quarrel. See 1st Quarrel, 2. [Obs.] "Quarrelets of pearl [teeth]." Herrick.
Quarrellous
Quar´rel•lous, a. [OF. querelous, F. querelleux, L. querulosus and querulus, fr. queri to complain. See 2d Quarrel.] Quarrelsome. [Obs.] [Written also quarrellous.] Shak.
Quarried
Quar´ried, a. Provided with prey.
"Now I am bravely quarried." Beau. & Fl.
Quarry
Quar´ry, n. [OE. quarre, OF. quarre square, F. carre, from L. quadratus square, quadrate, quadratum a square. See Quadrate, and cf. Quarrel an arrow.] Same as 1st Quarrel. [Obs.] Fairfax.
Quarry
Quar´ry, a. [OF. quarre.] Quadrate; square. [Obs.]
Quarry
Quar´ry, n. ; pl. Quarries (#). [OE. querre, OF. cuiriee, F. curee, fr. cuir hide, leather, fr. L. corium; the quarry given to the dogs being wrapped in the akin of the beast. See Cuirass.]
1. (a) A part of the entrails of the beast taken, given to the hounds. (b) A heap of game killed.
2. The object of the chase; the animal hunted for; game; especially, the game hunted with hawks. "The stone- dead quarry." Spenser.
"The wily quarry shunned the shock." Sir W. Scott.
Quarry
Quar´ry, v. i. To secure prey; to prey, as a vulture or harpy. L’Estrange.
Quarry
Quar´ry, n. [OE. quarrere, OF. quariere, F. carrière, LL. quadraria a quarry, whence squared ( quadrati) stones are dug, fr. quadratus square. See Quadrate.] A place, cavern, or pit where stone is taken from the rock or ledge, or dug from the earth, for building or other purposes; a stone pit. See 5th Mine (a).
Quarry
Quar´ry, v. t. [ imp. & p. p. Quarried p. pr. & vb. n. Quarrying.] To dig or take from a quarry; as to quarry marble.
Quarry-man
Quar´ry-man, n. ; pl. Quarrymen . A man who is engaged in quarrying stones; a quarrier.
Quart, n. [F. quart, n. masc., fr. L. quartus the fourth, akin to quattuor four. See Four, and cf. 2d Carte, Quarto.] The fourth part; a quarter; hence, a region of the earth. [Obs.]
"Camber did possess the western quart." Spenser.
Quart, n. [F. quarte, n. fem., fr. quart fourth. See Quart a quarter.]
1. A measure of capacity, both in dry and in liquid measure; the fourth part of a gallon; the eighth part of a peck; two pints. In imperial measure, a quart is forty English fluid ounces; in wine measure, it is thirty-two American fluid ounces. The United States dry quart contains 67.20 cubic inches, the fluid quart 57.75. The English quart contains 69.32 cubic inches.
2. A vessel or measure containing a quart.
Quart, n. [See Quart a quarter.] In cards, four successive cards of the same suit. Cf. Tierce, 4. Hoyle.
Quartan
Quar´tan, a. [F. quartain, in fièvre quartaine, L. quartanus, fr. quartus the fourth. See Quart.] Of or pertaining to the fourth; occurring every fourth day, reckoning inclusively; as a quartan ague, or fever.
Quartation
Quar•ta´tion, n. [L. quartus the fourth: cf. F. quartation. So called because usually enough silver is added to make the amount of gold in the alloyed button about one fourth.] (Chem. & Assaying) The act, process, or result (in the process of parting) of alloying a button of nearly pure gold with enough silver to reduce the fineness so as to allow acids to attack and remove all metals except the gold; — called also inquartation. Compare Parting.
Quartene
Quar´tene, n. [ Ouartane + ethyl ene.] (Chem.) Same as Butylene.
Quarter
Quar´ter, n. [F. quartier, L. quartarius a fourth part, fr. quartus the fourth. See Quart.]
1. One of four equal parts into which anything is divided, or is regarded as divided; a fourth part or portion; as a quarter of a dollar, of a pound, of a yard, of an hour, etc. Hence, specifically: (a) The fourth of a hundred-weight, being 25 or 28 pounds, according as the hundredweight is reckoned at 100 or 112 pounds. (b) The fourth of a ton in weight, or eight bushels of grain; as a quarter of wheat; also the fourth part of a chaldron of coal. Hutton. (c) (Astron.) The fourth part of the moon’s period, or monthly revolution; as the first quarter after the change or full. (d) One limb of a quadruped with the adjacent parts; one fourth part of the carcass of a slaughtered animal, including a leg; as the fore quarters; the hind quarters. (e) That part of a boot or shoe which forms the side, from the heel to the vamp. (f) (Far.) That part on either side of a horse’s hoof between the toe and heel, being the side of the coffin. (g) A term of study in a seminary, college, etc, etc.; properly, a fourth part of the year, but often longer or shorter. (h) pl. (Mil.) The encampment on one of the principal passages round a place besieged, to prevent relief and intercept convoys. (i) (Naut.) The after-part of a vessel’s side, generally corresponding in extent with the quarter-deck; also the part of the yardarm outside of the slings. (j) (Her.) One of the divisions of an escutcheon when it is divided into four portions by a horizontal and a perpendicular line meeting in the fess point. When two coats of arms are united upon one escutcheon, as in case of marriage, the first and fourth quarters display one shield, the second and third the other. See Quarter, v. t., 5. (k) One of the four parts into which the horizon is regarded as divided; a cardinal point; a direction’ principal division; a region; a territory.
"Scouts each coast light-armed scour,
Each quarter, to descry the distant foe." Milton. (l) A division of a town, city, or county; a particular district; a locality; as the Latin quarter in Paris. (m) (Arch.) A small upright timber post, used in partitions; — in the United States more commonly called stud. (n) (Naut.) The fourth part of the distance from one point of the compass to another, being the fourth part of 11° 15′, that is, about 2° 49′; — called also quarter point.
2. Proper station; specific place; assigned position; special location.
"Swift to their several quarters hasted then
The cumbrous elements." Milton. Hence, specifically: (a) (Naut.) A station at which officers and men are posted in battle; — usually in the plural. (b) Place of lodging or temporary residence; shelter; entertainment; — usually in the plural.
"The banter turned as to what quarters each would find." W. Irving. (c) pl. (Mil.) A station or encampment occupied by troops; a place of lodging for soldiers or officers; as winter quarters. (d) Treatment shown by an enemy; mercy; especially, the act of sparing the life a conquered enemy; a refraining from pushing one’s advantage to extremes.
"He magnified his own clemency, now they were at his mercy, to offer them quarter for their lives." Clarendon.
"Cocks and lambs … at the mercy of cats and wolves … must never expect better quarter." L’Estrange.
3. Friendship; amity; concord. [Obs.] To keep quarter, to keep one’s proper place, and so be on good terms with another. [Obs.]
"In quarter, and in terms like bride and groom." Shak.
"I knew two that were competitors for the secretary’s place, … and yet kept good quarter between themselves." Bacon. False quarter, a cleft in the quarter of a horse’s foot. — Fifth quarter, the hide and fat; — a butcher’s term. — On the quarter (Naut.), in a direction between abeam and astern; opposite, or nearly opposite, a vessel’s quarter. — Quarter aspect. (Astrol.) Same as Quadrate. - - Quarter back (Football), the player who has position next behind center rush, and receives the ball on the snap back. — Quarter badge (Naut.), an ornament on the side of a vessel near, the stern. Mar. Dict. — Quarter bill (Naut.), a list specifying the different stations to be taken by the officers and crew in time of action, and the names of the men assigned to each. — Quarter block (Naut.), a block fitted under the quarters of a yard on each side of the slings, through which the clew lines and sheets are reeved. R. H. Dana, Jr. — Quarter boat (Naut.), a boat hung at a vessel’s quarter. — Quarter cloths (Naut.), long pieces of painted canvas used to cover the quarter netting. — Quarter day, a day regarded as terminating a quarter of the year; hence, one on which any payment, especially rent, becomes due. In matters influenced by United States statutes, quarter days are the first days of January, April, July, and October. In New York and many other places, as between landlord and tenant, they are the first days of May, August, November, and February. The quarter days usually recognized in England are 25th of March (Lady Day), the 24th of June (Midsummer Day), the 29th of September (Michaelmas Day), and the 25th of December (Christmas Day). — Quarter face, in fine arts, portrait painting, etc., a face turned away so that but one quarter is visible. — Quarter gallery (Naut.), a balcony on the quarter of a ship. See Gallery, 4. — Quarter gunner (Naut.), a petty officer who assists the gunner. — Quarter look, a side glance. [Obs.] B. Jonson. — Quarter nettings (Naut.), hammock nettings along the quarter rails. — Quarter note (Mus.), a note equal in duration to half a minim or a fourth of semibreve; a crochet. — Quarter pieces (Naut.), several pieces of timber at the after-part of the quarter gallery, near the taffrail. Totten. — Quarter point. (Naut.) See Quarter, n. , 1 (n). — Quarter railing, or Quarter rails (Naut.), narrow molded planks reaching from the top of the stern to the gangway, serving as a fence to the quarter-deck. — Quarter sessions (Eng. Law), a general court of criminal jurisdiction held quarterly by the justices of peace in counties and by the recorders in boroughs. — Quarter square (Math.), the fourth part of the square of a number. Tables of quarter squares have been devised to save labor in multiplying numbers. — Quarter turn, Quarter turn belt (Mach.), an arrangement in which a belt transmits motion between two shafts which are at right angles with each other. — Quarter watch (Naut.), a subdivision of the full watch (one fourth of the crew) on a man-of- war. — To give, or show, quarter (Mil.), to accept as prisoner, on submission in battle; to forbear to kill, as a vanquished enemy. — To keep quarter. See Quarter, n. , 3.
Quarter
Quar´ter (kwär"ter), v. t. [ imp. & p. p. Quartered p. pr. & vb. n. Quartering.]
1. To divide into four equal parts.
2. To divide; to separate into parts or regions.
"Then sailors quartered heaven." Dryden.
3. To furnish with shelter or entertainment; to supply with the means of living for a time; especially, to furnish shelter to; as to quarter soldiers.
"They mean this night in Sardis to be quartered." Shak.
4. To furnish as a portion; to allot. [R.]
"This isle …
He quarters to his blue-haired deities." Milton.
5. (Her.) To arrange (different coats of arms) upon one escutcheon, as when a man inherits from both father and mother the right to bear arms. When only two coats of arms are so combined they are arranged in four compartments. See Quarter, n. , 1 (f).
Quarter
Quar´ter (kwär"ter), v. i. To lodge; to have a temporary residence.
Quartering
Quar´ter•ing, n.
1. A station. [Obs.] Bp. Montagu.
2. Assignment of quarters for soldiers; quarters.
3. (Her.) (a) The division of a shield containing different coats of arms into four or more compartments. (b) One of the different coats of arms arranged upon an escutcheon, denoting the descent of the bearer.
4. (Arch.) A series of quarters, or small upright posts. See Quarter, n. , 1 (m) (Arch.) Gwilt. Quartering block, a block on which the body of a condemned criminal was quartered. Macaulay.
Quartermaster
Quar´ter•mas•ter, n. [ Quarter + master: cf. F. quartier-maître.]
1. (Mil.) An officer whose duty is to provide quarters, provisions, storage, clothing, fuel, stationery, and transportation for a regiment or other body of troops, and superintend the supplies.
2. (Naut.) A petty officer who attends to the helm, binnacle, signals, and the like, under the direction of the master. Totten. Quartermaster general (Mil.), in the United States a staff officer, who has the rank of brigadier general and is the chief officer in the quartermaster’s department; in England, an officer of high rank stationed at the War Office having similar duties; also a staff officer, usually a general officer, accompanying each complete army in the field. — Quartermaster sergeant. See Sergeant.
Quartern
Quar´tern, n. [OE. quarteroun, quartron, F. quarteron, the fourth part of a pound, or of a hundred; cf. L. quartarius a fourth part, quarter of any measure, quartern, gill. See Quarter, and cf. Quarteron, Quadroon.]
1. A quarter. Specifically: (a) The fourth part of a pint; a gill. (b) The fourth part of a peck, or of a stone (14 ibs.).
2. A loaf of bread weighing about four pounds; — called also quartern loaf. Simmonds.
Quarteron
Quar´ter•on, n. [F. See Quartern.] A quarter; esp., a quarter of a pound, or a quarter of a hundred. Piers Plowman. { Quar´ter•on, Quar´ter•oon }, n. A quadroon.
Quarterpace
Quar´ter•pace, n. (Arch.) A platform of a staircase where the stair turns at a right angle only. See Halfpace.
Quarter-saw
Quar´ter-saw, v. t. [ imp. & p. p. Quarter-sawed -sawn; p. pr. & vb. n. Quarter-sawing.] To saw (a log) into quarters; specif., to saw into quarters and then into boards, as by cutting alternately from each face of a quarter, to secure lumber that will warp relatively little or show the grain advantageously.
Quarterstaff
Quar´ter•staff, n. ; pl. Quarterstaves . A long and stout staff formerly used as a weapon of defense and offense; — so called because in holding it one hand was placed in the middle, and the other between the middle and the end. { Quar•tet´, Quar•tette´ }, n. [It. quartetto, dim. of quarto the fourth, a fourth part, fr. L. quartus the fourth. See Quart.]
1. (Mus.) (a) A composition in four parts, each performed by a single voice or instrument. (b) The set of four person who perform a piece of music in four parts.
2. (Poet.) A stanza of four lines.
Quartic
Quar´tic, a. [L. quartus fourth.] (Mach.) Of the fourth degree.
Quartic
Quar´tic, n. (a) (Alg.) A quantic of the fourth degree. See Quantic. (b) (Geom.) A curve or surface whose equation is of the fourth degree in the variables.
Quartile
Quar´tile, n. [F. quartile aspect, fr. L. quartus the fourth. See Quart.] (Astrol.) Same as Quadrate.
Quarto
Quar´to, a. [L. in quarto in fourth, from quartus the fourth: cf. F. ( in) quarto. See Quart.] Having four leaves to the sheet; of the form or size of a quarto.
Quas, n. A kind of beer. Same as Quass. { Quas´chi, Quas´je }, n. (Zoöl.) The brown coati. See Coati.
Quash, v. t. [ imp. & p. p. Quashed p. pr. & vb. n. Quashing.] [OF. quasser, F. casser, fr. L. cassare to annihilate, annul, fr. cassus empty, vain, of uncertain origin. The word has been confused with L. quassare to shake, F. casser to break, which is probably of different origin. Cf. Cashier, v. t.] (Law) To abate, annul, overthrow, or make void; as to quash an indictment. Blackstone.
Quash, v. t. [OF. quasser, F. casser, fr. L. quassare to shake, shatter, shiver, v. intens. fr. quatere, quassum, to shake, shatter. Cf. Concussion, Discuss, Rescue, and also Quash to annul.]
1. To beat down, or beat in pieces; to dash forcibly; to crush.
"The whales
Against sharp rocks, like reeling vessels, quashed,
Though huge as mountains, are in pieces dashed." Waller.
2. To crush; to subdue; to suppress or extinguish summarily and completely; as to quash a rebellion.
"Contrition is apt to quash or allay all worldly grief." Barrow.
Quassation
Quas•sa´tion, n. [L. quassatio, from quassare to shake. See Quash to crush.] The act of shaking, or the state of being shaken. Gayton.
Quassin
Quas´sin, n. [Cf. F. quassine. See Quassia.] (Chem.) The bitter principle of quassia, extracted as a white crystalline substance; — formerly called quassite. [Written also quassiin, and quassine.]
Quat, n. [Etymol. uncertain.] (a) A pustule. [Obs.] (b) An annoying, worthless person. Shak.
Quaternary
Qua•ter´na•ry, a. [L. quaternarius consisting of four each, containing four, fr. quaterni four each, fr. quattuor four: cf. F. quaternaire. See Four.]
1. Consisting of four; by fours, or in sets of four.
2. (Geol.) Later than, or subsequent to, the Tertiary; Post-tertiary; as the Quaternary age, or Age of man.
Quaternary
Qua•ter´na•ry, n. [L. numerus quaternarius: cf. F. quaternaire.]
1. The number four. Boyle.
2. (Geol.) The Quaternary age, era, or formation. See the Chart of Geology.
Quaternion
Qua•ter´ni•on, n. [L. quaternio, fr. quaterni four each. See Quaternary.]
1. The number four. [Poetic]
2. A set of four parts, things, or person; four things taken collectively; a group of four words, phrases, circumstances, facts, or the like.
"Delivered him to four quaternions of soldiers." Acts xii. 4.
"Ye elements, the eldest birth
Of Nature’s womb, that in quaternion run." Milton.
"The triads and quaternions with which he loaded his sentences." Sir W. Scott.
3. A word of four syllables; a quadrisyllable.
4. (Math.) The quotient of two vectors, or of two directed right lines in space, considered as depending on four geometrical elements, and as expressible by an algebraic symbol of quadrinomial form. The science or calculus of quaternions is a new mathematical method in which the conception of a quaternion is unfolded and symbolically expressed, and is applied to various classes of algebraical, geometrical, and physical questions, so as to discover theorems, and to arrive at the solution of problems. Sir W. R. Hamilton.
Quaternion
Qua•ter´ni•on, v. t. To divide into quaternions, files, or companies. Milton.
Quatorzain
Qua•torz´ain, n. [See Quatorze.] A poem of fourteen lines; a sonnet. R. H. Stoddard.
Quatorze
Qua•torze´, n. [F. quatorze fourteen, L. quattuordecim. See Fourteen.] The four aces, kings, queens, knaves, or tens, in the game of piquet; — so called because quatorze counts as fourteen points.
Quatrain
Quat´rain, n. [F., fr. quatre four, L. quattuor, quatuor. See Four.] (Pros.) A stanza of four lines rhyming alternately. Dryden.
Quatre
Qua´tre, n. [F.] A card, die. or domino, having four spots, or pips { Qua´tre•feuille, Qua´tre•foil } n. [F. quatre feuilles.] Same as Quarterfoil.
Quatuor
Quat´u•or, n. [F., fr. L. quattuor, quatuor, four. See Quartet.] (Mus.) A quartet; — applied chiefly to instrumental compositions.
Quave, n. See Quaver. [Obs.]
Quavemire
Quave´mire, n. See Quagmire. [Obs.]
Quaver
Qua´ver, v. i. [ imp. & p. p. Quavered p. pr. & vb. n. Quavering.] [OE. quaven to shake, to tremble; cf. LG. quabbeln to shake, to be soft, of fat substances, quabbe a fat lump of flesh, a dewlap, D. kwabbe, and E. quiver, v.]
1. To tremble; to vibrate; to shake. Sir I. Newton.
2. Especially, to shake the voice; to utter or form sound with rapid or tremulous vibrations, as in singing; also to trill on a musical instrument
Quaver
Qua´ver, n.
1. A shake, or rapid and tremulous vibration, of the voice, or of an instrument of music.
2. (Mus.) An eighth note. See Eighth.
Quay, n. [F. quai. See Key quay.] A mole, bank, or wharf, formed toward the sea, or at the side of a harbor, river, or other navigable water, for convenience in loading and unloading vessels. [Written also key.]
Quayd, p. p. of Quail. [Obs.] Spenser.
Que, n. [Cf. 3d Cue.] A half farthing. [Obs.]
Queach, n. [Cf. Quick.] A thick, bushy plot; a thicket. [Obs.] Chapman.
Queach, v. i. [Cf. E. quich, v. i., quick, v. i.; or AS. cweccan to shake.] To stir; to move. See Quick, v. i. [Obs.]
Quean, n. [Originally, a woman, AS. cwene; akin to OS. quena, OHG. quena, Icel. kona, Goth qin, and AS. cwen, also to Gr. woman, wife, Skr. gna goddess. Cf. Queen.]
1. A woman; a young or unmarried woman; a girl. [Obs. or Scot.] Chaucer.
2. A low woman; a wench; a slut. "The dread of every scolding quean." Gay.
Queasiness
Quea´si•ness, n. The state of being queasy; nausea; qualmishness; squeamishness. Shak.
Quebec group
Que•bec" group (Geol.) The middle of the three groups into which the rocks of the Canadian period have been divided in the American Lower Silurian system. See the Chart of Geology.
Quebrith
Queb´rith, n. [OE. quebrit, quibrith, Ar. kibrit.] (Alchemy) Sulphur. [Obs.] { Quech, Queck } v. i. [Cf. Quick, Queach.] A word occurring in a corrupt passage of Bacon’s Essays, and probably meaning, to stir, to move.
Queen, n. [OE. quen, quene, queen, quean, AS. cwen wife, queen, woman; akin to OS. quan wife, woman, Icel. kvan wife, queen, Goth. qens. rad.221. See Quean.]
1. The wife of a king.
2. A woman who is the sovereign of a kingdom; a female monarch; as Elizabeth, queen of England; Mary, queen of Scots.
"In faith, and by the heaven’s quene." Chaucer.
3. A woman eminent in power or attractions; the highest of her kind; as a queen in society; — also used figuratively of cities, countries, etc. " This queen of cities." " Albion, queen of isles." Cowper.
4. The fertile, or fully developed, female of social bees, ants, and termites.
5. (Chess) The most powerful, and except the king the most important, piece in a set of chessmen.
6. A playing card bearing the picture of a queen; as the queen of spades. Queen apple. [Cf. OE. quyne aple quince apple.] A kind of apple; a queening. "Queen apples and red cherries." Spenser. — Queen bee (Zoöl.), a female bee, especially the female of the honeybee. See Honeybee. — Queen conch (Zoöl.), a very large West Indian cameo conch ( Cassis cameo). It is much used for making cameos. — Queen consort, the wife of a reigning king. Blackstone. — Queen dowager, the widow of a king. — Queen gold, formerly a revenue of the queen consort of England, arising from gifts, fines, etc. — Queen mother, a queen dowager who is also mother of the reigning king or queen. — Queen of May. See May queen, under May. — Queen of the meadow (Bot.), a European herbaceous plant ( Spiraea Ulmaria). See Meadowsweet. — Queen of the prairie (Bot.), an American herb ( Spiraea lobata) with ample clusters of pale pink flowers. — Queen pigeon (Zoöl.), any one of several species of very large and handsome crested ground pigeons of the genus Goura, native of New Guinea and the adjacent islands. They are mostly pale blue, or ash-blue, marked with white, and have a large occipital crest of spatulate feathers. Called also crowned pigeon, goura, and Victoria pigeon. — Queen regent, or Queen regnant, a queen reigning in her own right. — Queen’s Bench. See King’s Bench. — Queen’s counsel, Queen’s evidence. See King’s counsel, King’s evidence, under King. — Queen’s delight (Bot.), an American plant ( Stillinqia sylvatica) of the Spurge family, having an herbaceous stem and a perennial woody root. — Queen’s metal (Metal.), an alloy somewhat resembling pewter or britannia, and consisting essentially of tin with a slight admixture of antimony, bismuth, and lead or copper. — Queen’s pigeon. (Zoöl.) Same as Queen pigeon, above. — Queen’s ware, glazed English earthenware of a cream color. — Queen’s yellow (Old Chem.), a heavy yellow powder consisting of a basic mercuric sulphate; — formerly called turpetum minerale, or Turbith’s mineral.
Queen, v. i. To act the part of a queen. Shak.
Queen, v. i. [ imp. & p. p. Queened p. pr. & vb. n. Queening.] (Chess.) To make a queen (or other piece, at the player’s discretion) of by moving it to the eighth row; as to queen a pawn.
Queen truss
Queen" truss (Arch.) A truss framed with queen-posts; a queen-post truss.
Queendom
Queen´dom, n. The dominion, condition, or character of a queen. Mrs. Browning.
Queenhood
Queen´hood, n. The state, personality, or character of a queen; queenliness. Tennyson.
Queening
Queen´ing, n. [See Queen apple.] (Bot.) Any one of several kinds of apples, as summer queening, scarlet queening, and early queening. An apple called the queening was cultivated in England two hundred years ago.
Queenly
Queen´ly, a. [AS. cwenlic feminine.] Like, becoming, or suitable to, a queen.
Queen-post
Queen´-post, n. [Arch.] One of two suspending posts in a roof truss, or other framed truss of similar form. See King-post.
Queenship
Queen´ship, n. The state, rank, or dignity of a queen.
Queer, a. [ Compar. Queerer superl. Queerest.] [G. quer cross, oblique, athwart (cf. querkopf a queer fellow), OHG. twer, twerh, dwerah; akin to D. dvars, as þweorh thwart, bent, twisted, Icel. þverr thwart, transverse, Goth. þwaìrhs angry, and perh. to L. torqyere to twist, and E. through. Cf. Torture, Through, Thwart, a. ]
1. At variance with what is usual or normal; differing in some odd way from what is ordinary; odd; singular; strange; whimsical; as a queer story or act. " A queer look." W. Irving.
2. Mysterious; suspicious; questionable; as a queer transaction. [Colloq.]
Queer, v. t. [From Queer, a. ]
1. To puzzle. [Prov. Eng. or Slang]
2. To ridicule; to banter; to rally. [Slang]
3. To spoil the effect or success of, as by ridicule; to throw a wet blanket on; to spoil. [Slang]
Queerness
Queer´ness, n. The quality or state of being queer.
Queest, n. [Cf. Icel. kvisa a kind of bird, kvistr a branch of a tree, and E. cushat.] (Zoöl.) The European ringdove ( Columba palumbus); the cushat. [Written also quist, queeze, quice, queece.] See Ringdove.
Queint, a. See Quaint. [Obs.]
Queint, obs. imp. & p. p. of Quench. Chaucer.
Queintise
Queint´ise, n. See Quaintise. [Obs.] Chaucer.
Quell, v. i. [ imp. & p. p. Quelled ; p. pr. & vb. n. Quelling.] [See Quail to cower.]
1. To die. [Obs.]
"Yet he did quake and quaver, like to quell." Spenser.
2. To be subdued or abated; to yield; to abate. [R.]
"Winter’s wrath begins to quell." Spenser.
Quell, v. t. [OE. quellen to kill, AS. cwellan, causative of cwelan to die; akin to OHG. quellen to torment, Icel. kvelja. See Quail to cower.]
1. To take the life of; to kill. [Obs.] Spenser.
"The ducks cried as [if] men would them quelle." Chaucer.
2. To overpower; to subdue; to put down.
"The nation obeyed the call, rallied round the sovereign, and enabled him to quell the disaffected minority." Macaulay.
"Northward marching to quell the sudden revolt." Longfellow.
3. To quiet; to allay; to pacify; to cause to yield or cease; as to quell grief; to quell the tumult of the soul.
"Much did his words the gentle lady quell." Spenser.
Syn. — to subdue; crush; overpower; reduce; put down; repress; suppress; quiet; allay; calm; pacify.
Quellio
Quel´li•o, n. [Sp. cuello, L. collum neck.] A ruff for the neck. [Obs.] B. Jonson.
Quelquechose
Quelque´chose, n. [F. quelque chose something.] A trifle; a kickshaw. Donne.
Queme, v. t. & i. [AS. cweman, akin to cuman to come. rad.23.] To please. [Obs.] Chaucer.
Quench, v. t. [ imp. & p. p. Quenched p. pr. & vb. n. Quenching.] [OE. quenchen, AS. cwencan in acwencan, to extinguish utterly, causative of cwincan, acwincan, to decrease, disappear; cf. AS. cwinan, acwinan, to waste or dwindle away.]
1. To extinguish; to overwhelm; to make an end of; — said of flame and fire, of things burning, and figuratively of sensations and emotions; as to quench flame; to quench a candle; to quench thirst, love, hate, etc.
"Ere our blood shall quench that fire." Shak.
"The supposition of the lady’s death
Will quench the wonder of her infamy." Shak.
2. To cool suddenly, as heated steel, in tempering.
Syn. — To extinguish; still; stifle; allay; cool; check.
Quencher
Quench´er, n. One who, or that which, quenches. Hammond.
Quercitrin
Quer´cit•rin, n. [Cf. F. quercitrin. See Quercitron.] (Chem.) A glucoside extracted from the bark of the oak ( Quercus) as a bitter citron-yellow crystalline substance, used as a pigment and called quercitron.
Quercitron
Quer´cit•ron, n. [F. quercitron, the name of the name of tree; L. quercus an oak + citrus the citron tree.]
1. The yellow inner bark of the Quercus tinctoria, the American black oak, yellow oak, dyer’s oak, or quercitron oak, a large forest tree growing from Maine to eastern Texas.
2. Quercitrin, used as a pigment. See Quercitrin.
Quercus
Quer´cus, n. [L., an oak.] (Bot.) A genus of trees constituted by the oak. See Oak.
Querele
Quer´ele, n. [See 2d Quarrel.] (O. Eng. Law) A complaint to a court. See Audita Querela. [Obs.] Ayliffe.
Querimonious
Quer•i•mo´ni•ous, a. [L. querimonia a complaint, fr. queri to complain. See Querulous.] Complaining; querulous; apt to complain. — Quer•i•mo´ni•ous•ly, adv. — Quer•i•mo´ni•ous•ness, n.
Querimony
Quer´i•mo•ny, n. [L. querimonia.] A complaint or complaining. [Obs.] E. Hall.
Querist
Que´rist, n. [See Query.] One who inquires, or asks questions. Swift.
Querken
Querk´en, v. t. [Icel. kverk throat. .] To stifle or choke. [Prov. Eng.] Halliwell.
Querl, v. t. [G. querlen, quirlen, to twirl, to turn round, fr. querl, querl, a twirling stick. Cf. Twirl.] To twirl; to turn or wind round; to coil; as to querl a cord, thread, or rope. [Local, U.S.]
Querl, n. A coil; a twirl; as the qwerl of hair on the fore leg of a blooded horse. [Local, U. S.]
Querpo
Quer´po, n. The inner or body garments taken together. See Cuerpo. Dryden.
Querquedule
Quer´que•dule, n. [L. querquedula.] (Zool.) (a) A teal. (b) The pintail duck.
Querulous
Quer´u•lous, a. [L. querulus and querulosus, fr. queri to complain. Cf. Cry, v. , Quarrel a brawl, Quarrelous.]
1. Given to quarreling; quarrelsome. [Obs.] land.
2. Apt to find fault; habitually complaining; disposed to murmur; as a querulous man or people.
"Enmity can hardly be more annoying that querulous, jealous, exacting fondness." Macaulay.
3. Expressing complaint; fretful; whining; as a querulous tone of voice.
Syn. — Complaining; bewailing; lamenting; whining; mourning; murmuring; discontented; dissatisfied. — Quer´u•lous•ly, adv. — Quer´u•lous•ness, n.
Query
Que´ry, n. ; pl. Queries (#). [L. quaere, imperative sing. of quaerere, quaesitum to seek or search for, to ask, inquire. Cf. Acquire, Conquer, Exquisite, Quest, Require.]
1. A question; an inquiry to be answered or solved.
"I shall conclude with proposing only some queries, in order to a … search to be made by others." Sir I. Newton.
2. A question in the mind; a doubt; as I have a query about his sincerity.
3. An interrogation point [?] as the sign of a question or a doubt.
Query
Que´ry, v. t. [ imp. & p. p. Queried p. pr. & vb. n. Querying.]
1. To put questions about; to elicit by questioning; to inquire into; as to query the items or the amount; to query the motive or the fact.
2. To address questions to; to examine by questions.
3. To doubt of; to regard with incredulity.
4. To write " query" (qu., qy., or ?) against, as a doubtful spelling, or sense, in a proof. See Quaere.
Quest, n. [OF. queste, F. quête, fr. L. quaerere, quaesitum, to seek for, to ask. Cf. Query, Question.]
1. The act of seeking, or looking after anything; attempt to find or obtain; search; pursuit; as to rove in quest of game, of a lost child, of property, etc.
"Upon an hard adventure yet in quest." Spenser.
"Cease your quest of love." Shak.
"There ended was his quest, there ceased his care." Milton.
2. Request; desire; solicitation.
"Gad not abroad at every quest and call
Of an untrained hope or passion." Herbert.
3. Those who make search or inquiry, taken collectively.
"The senate hath sent about three several quests to search you out." Shak.
4. Inquest; jury of inquest.
"What lawful quest have given their verdict ?" Shak.
Quest, v. t. [Cf. OF. quester, F. quêter. See Quest, n. ] To search for; to examine. [R.] Sir T. Herbert.
Question
Ques´tion, n. [F., fr. L. quaestio, fr. quaerere, quaesitum, to seek for, ask, inquire. See Quest, n. ]
1. The act of asking; interrogation; inquiry; as to examine by question and answer.
2. Discussion; debate; hence, objection; dispute; doubt; as the story is true beyond question; he obeyed without question.
"There arose a question between some of John’s disciples and the Jews about purifying." John iii. 25.
"It is to be to question, whether it be lawful for Christian princes to make an invasive war simply for the propagation of the faith." Bacon.
3. Examination with reference to a decisive result; investigation; specifically, a judicial or official investigation; also examination under torture. Blackstone.
"He that was in question for the robbery. Shak.
The Scottish privy council had power to put state prisoners to the question." Macaulay.
4. That which is asked; inquiry; interrogatory; query.
"But this question asked
Puts me in doubt. Lives there who loves his pain ?" Milton.
5. Hence, a subject of investigation, examination, or debate; theme of inquiry; matter to be inquired into; as a delicate or doubtful question.
6. Talk; conversation; speech; speech. [Obs.] Shak. In question, in debate; in the course of examination or discussion; as the matter or point in question. — Leading question. See under Leading. — Out of question, unquestionably. "Out of question, ’t is Maria’s hand." Shak. — Out of the question. See under Out. — Past question, beyond question; certainly; undoubtedly; unquestionably. — Previous question, a question put to a parliamentary assembly upon the motion of a member, in order to ascertain whether it is the will of the body to vote at once, without further debate, on the subject under consideration. The form of the question is: "Shall the main question be now put?" If the vote is in the affirmative, the matter before the body must be voted upon as it then stands, without further general debate or the submission of new amendments. In the House of Representatives of the United States, and generally in America, a negative decision operates to keep the business before the body as if the motion had not been made; but in the English Parliament, it operates to postpone consideration for the day, and until the subject may be again introduced. In American practice, the object of the motion is to hasten action, and it is made by a friend of the measure. In English practice, the object is to get rid of the subject for the time being, and the motion is made with a purpose of voting against it. Cushing. — To beg the question. See under Beg. — To the question, to the point in dispute; to the real matter under debate.
Syn. — Point; topic; subject.
Question
Ques´tion, v. i. [ imp. & p. p. Questioned p. pr. & vb. n. Questioning.] [Cf. F. questionner. See Question, n. ]
1. To ask questions; to inquire.
"He that questioneth much shall learn much." Bacon.
2. To argue; to converse; to dispute. [Obs.]
"I pray you, think you question with the Jew." Shak.
Questionability
Ques•tion•a•bil´i•ty, n. The state or condition of being questionable. Stallo.
Questionary
Ques´tion•a•ry, a. Inquiring; asking questions; testing. "Questionary epistles." Pope.
Questionless
Ques´tion•less, a. Unquestioning; incurious. [R.]
Questionnaire
Ques•tion•naire´, n. ; pl. -naires (F. ). [F.] = Questionary, above.
Questmonger
Quest´mon•ger, n. One who lays informations, and encourages petty lawsuits. [Obs.] Bacon.
Questorship
Ques´tor•ship, n. The office, or the term of office, of a questor.
Questrist
Quest´rist, n. [See Quest.] A seeker; a pursuer. [Obs.] "Hot questrists after him." Shak.
Queue, n. [F. See Cue.] (a) A tail-like appendage of hair; a pigtail. (b) A line of persons waiting anywhere.
Quib, n. [Cf. Quip.] A quip; a gibe.
Quibble
Quib´ble, v. i. [ imp. & p. p. Quibbled p. pr. & vb. n. Quibbling ]
1. To evade the point in question by artifice, play upon words, caviling, or by raising any insignificant or impertinent question or point; to trifle in argument or discourse; to equivocate.
2. To pun; to practice punning. Cudworth.
Syn. — To cavil; shuffle; equivocate; trifle.
Quibbler
Quib´bler, n. One who quibbles; a caviler; also a punster.
Quich, v. i. [Cf. Quinch.] To stir. [Obs.]
"He could not move nor quich at all." Spenser.
Quick, a. [ Compar. Quicker superl. Quickest.] [As. cwic, cwicu, cwucu, cucu, living; akin to OS. quik, D. kwik, OHG. quec, chec, G. keck bold, lively, Icel. kvikr living, Goth. qius, Lith. qyvas, Russ. zhivoi, L. vivus living, vivere to live, Gr. bi•os life, Skr. jiva living, jiv to live. Cf. Biography, Vivid, Quitch grass, Whitlow.]
1. Alive; living; animate; — opposed to dead or inanimate.
"Not fully quyke, ne fully dead they were." Chaucer.
"The Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom." 2 Tim. iv. 1.
"Man is no star, but a quick coal
Of mortal fire." Herbert. In this sense the word is nearly obsolete, except in some compounds, or in particular phrases.
2. Characterized by life or liveliness; animated; sprightly; agile; brisk; ready. " A quick wit." Shak.
3. Speedy; hasty; swift; not slow; as be quick.
"Oft he her his charge of quick return
Repeated." Milton.
4. Impatient; passionate; hasty; eager; eager; sharp; unceremonious; as a quick temper.
"The bishop was somewhat quick with them, and signified that he was much offended." Latimer.
5. Fresh; bracing; sharp; keen.
"The air is quick there,
And it pierces and sharpens the stomach." Shak.
6. Sensitive; perceptive in a high degree; ready; as a quick ear. "To have an open ear, a quick eye." Shak.
"They say that women are so quick." Tennyson.
7. Pregnant; with child. Shak. Quick grass. (Bot.) See Quitch grass. — Quick match. See under Match. — Quick vein (Mining), a vein of ore which is productive, not barren. — Quick vinegar, vinegar made by allowing a weak solution of alcohol to trickle slowly over shavings or other porous material. — Quick water, quicksilver water. — Quick with child, pregnant with a living child.
Syn. — Speedy; expeditious; swift; rapid; hasty; prompt; ready; active; brisk; nimble; fleet; alert; agile; lively; sprightly.
Quick, v. t. & i. [See Quicken.] To revive; to quicken; to be or become alive. [Obs.] Chaucer.
Quicken
Quick´en, v. t. [ imp. & p. p. quickened p. pr. & vb. n. Quickening.] [AS. cwician. See Quick, a. ]
1. To make alive; to vivify; to revive or resuscitate, as from death or an inanimate state; hence, to excite; to, stimulate; to incite.
"The mistress which I serve quickens what’s dead." Shak.
"Like a fruitful garden without an hedge, that quickens the appetite to enjoy so tempting a prize." South.
2. To make lively, active, or sprightly; to impart additional energy to; to stimulate; to make quick or rapid; to hasten; to accelerate; as to quicken one’s steps or thoughts; to quicken one’s departure or speed.
3. (Shipbuilding) To shorten the radius of (a curve); to make (a curve) sharper; as to quicken the sheer, that is, to make its curve more pronounced.
Syn. — To revive; resuscitate; animate; reinvigorate; vivify; refresh; stimulate; sharpen; incite; hasten; accelerate; expedite; dispatch; speed.
Quicken tree
Quick"en tree [Probably from quick, and first applied to the aspen or some tree with quivering leaves; cf. G. quickenbaum, quizenbaum, quitschenbaum. Cf. Quitch grass.] (Bot.) The European rowan tree; — called also quickbeam, and quickenbeam. See Rowan tree.
Quickhatch
Quick´hatch, n. [From the American Indian name.] (Zoöl.) The wolverine.
Quicklime
Quick´lime, n. [See Quick, a. ] (Chem.) Calcium oxide; unslacked lime; — so called because when wet it develops great heat. See 4th Lime, 2.
Quickly
Quick´ly, adv. Speedily; with haste or celerity; soon; without delay; quick.
Quickset
Quick´set, a. Made of quickset.
"Dates and pomegranates on the quickset hedges." Walpole.
Quicksilver
Quick´sil•ver, n. [ Quick living + silver; — so called from its fluidity; cf. G. quecksilber, L. argentum vivum. See Quick, a. ] (Chem.) The metal mercury; — so called from its resemblance to liquid silver. Quicksilver horizon, a mercurial artificial horizon. See under Horizon. — Quicksilver water, a solution of mercury nitrate used in artificial silvering; quick water.
Quicksilvering
Quick´sil•ver•ing, n. The mercury and foil on the back of a looking-glass.
Quickstep
Quick´step, n. (Mus.) A lively, spirited march; also a lively style of dancing.
Quick-wittedness
Quick´-wit•ted•ness, n. Readiness of wit. "Celtic quick-wittedness." M. Arnold.
Quid, n. [See Cud.] A portion suitable to be chewed; a cud; as a quid of tobacco.
Quid, v. t. (Man.) To drop from the mouth, as food when partially chewed; — said of horses. Youatt.
Quiddany
Quid´da•ny, n. [L. cydoneum quince juice, quince wine. See Quince.] A confection of quinces, in consistency between a sirup and marmalade.
Quiddative
Quid´da•tive, a. [See Quiddity.] Constituting, or containing, the essence of a thing; quidditative.
Quiddit
Quid´dit, n. [Cf. Quiddity, Quillet, and Quibble.] A subtilty; an equivocation. [Obs.] Shak.
"By some strange quiddit or some wrested clause." Drayton.
Quiddle
Quid´dle, v. i. [ imp. & p. p. Quiddled p. pr. & vb. n. Quiddling ] [L. quid what.] To spend time in trifling employments, or to attend to useful subjects in an indifferent or superficial manner; to dawdle. { Quid´dle, Quid´dler } n. One who wastes his energy about trifles. Emerson.
Quiesce
Qui•esce´, v. i. [ imp. & p. p. Quiesced p. pr. & vb. n. Quiescing ] [L. quiescere, akin to quies rest, quiet. See Quiet, a. & n.] To be silent, as a letter; to have no sound. M. Stuart. { Qui•es´cence, Qui•es´cen•cy } n. [L. quiescentia, fr. quiescens, p. pr.; cf. F. quiestence. See Quiesce.] The state or quality of being quiescent. "Quiescence, bodily and mental." H. Spencer.
"Deeds will be done; — while be boasts his quiescence." R. Browning.
Quiescent
Qui•es´cent, a. [L. quiescens, -entis, p. pr. of quiescere: cf. F. quiescent. See Quiesce.]
1. Being in a state of repose; at rest; still; not moving; as a quiescent body or fluid.
2. Not ruffed with passion; unagitated; not in action; not excited; quiet; dormant; resting.
"In times of national security, the feeling of patriotism … is so quiescent that it seems hardly to exist." Prof. Wilson.
3. (Gram.) Not sounded; silent; as y is quiescent in "day" and "say."
Quiescent
Qui•es´cent, n. (Gram.) A silent letter. M. Stuart.
Quiet
Qui´et, a. [ Compar. Quieter superl. Quietest.] [L. quietus, p. p. pf quiescere to rest, keep quiet; akin to quies rest, and prob. to E. while, n. See While, and cf. Coy, a. , Quiesce, Quietus, Quit, a. , Quite, Requiem.]
1. In a state of rest or calm; without stir, motion, or agitation; still; as a quiet sea; quiet air.
"They … were quiet all the night, saying, In the morning, when it is day, we shall kill him." Judg. xvi. 2.
2. Free from noise or disturbance; hushed; still.
3. Not excited or anxious; calm; peaceful; placid; settled; as a quiet life; a quiet conscience. " So quiet and so sweet a style." Shak.
"That son, who on the quiet state of man
Such trouble brought." Milton.
4. Not giving offense; not exciting disorder or trouble; not turbulent; gentle; mild; meek; contented.
"The ornament of a meek and quiet spirit." 1 Pet. iii. 4.
"I will sit as quiet as a lamb." Shak.
5. Not showy; not such as to attract attention; undemonstrative; as a quiet dress; quiet colors; a quiet movement.
Syn. — Still; tranquil; calm; unruffled; smooth; unmolested; undisturbed; placid; peaceful; mild; peaceable; meek; contented.
Quiet
Qui´et, n. [L. quies, - etis. See Quiet, a. ]
1. The quality or state of being quiet, or in repose; as an hour or a time of quiet.
2. Freedom from disturbance, noise, or alarm; stillness; tranquillity; peace; security.
"And join with thee, calm Peace and Quiet." Milton. At quiet, still; peaceful. — In quiet, quietly. " I will depart in quiet." Shak. — Out of quiet, disturbed; restless. [Obs.] "She is much out of quiet." Shak.
Quiet
Qui´et, v. t. [ imp. & p. p. Quieted; p. pr. & vb. n. Quieting.]
1. To stop motion in; to still; to reduce to a state of rest, or of silence.
2. To calm; to appease; to pacify; to lull; to allay; to tranquillize; as to quiet the passions; to quiet clamors or disorders; to quiet pain or grief.
"Quiet yourselves, I pray, and be at peace." Shak.
Quiet
Qui´et, v. i. To become still, silent, or calm; — often with down; as be soon quieted down.
Quietist
Qui´et•ist, n. [Cf. F. quietiste.] (Eccl. Hist.) One of a sect of mystics originated in the seventeenth century by Molinos, a Spanish priest living in Rome. See Quietism.
Quietistic
Qui•et•is´tic, a. Of or pertaining to the Quietists, or to Quietism.
Quietude
Qui´e•tude, n. [L. quietudo: cf. F. quietude.] Rest; repose; quiet; tranquillity. Shelley.
Quietus
Qui•e´tus, n. [LL. quietus quit, discharged, L., at rest, quiet, dead. See Quiet, a. , and cf. Quit, a. ] Final discharge or acquittance, as from debt or obligation; that which silences claims; (Fig.) rest; death.
"When he himself might his quietus make
With a bare bodkin." Shak.
Quill, n. [Perhaps fr. F. quille ninepin (see Kayless); but cf. also G. kiel a quill. MHG. kil, and Ir. cuille a quill.]
1. One of the large feathers of a bird’s wing, or one of the rectrices of the tail; also the stock of such a feather.
2. A pen for writing made by sharpening and splitting the point or nib of the stock of a feather; as history is the proper subject of his quill. Sir H. Wotton.
3. (Zoöl.) (a) A spine of the hedgehog or porcupine. (b) The pen of a squid. See Pen.
4. (Mus.) (a) The plectrum with which musicians strike the strings of certain instruments. (b) The tube of a musical instrument.
"He touched the tender stops of various quills." Milton.
5. Something having the form of a quill; as: (a) The fold or plain of a ruff. (b) (Weaving) A spindle, or spool, as of reed or wood, upon which the thread for the woof is wound in a shuttle. (c) (Mach.) A hollow spindle. Quill bit, a bit for boring resembling the half of a reed split lengthways and having its end sharpened like a gouge. — Quill driver, one who works with a pen; a writer; a clerk. [Jocose] — Quill nib, a small quill pen made to be used with a holder. Simmonds.
Quill, v. t. [ imp. & p. p. Quilled p. pr. & vb. n. Quilling.]
1. To plaint in small cylindrical ridges, called quillings; as to quill a ruffle.
"His cravat seemed quilled into a ruff." Goldsmith.
2. To wind on a quill, as thread or yarn. Judd.
Quill, n. (Pharm.) A roll of dried bark; as a quill of cinnamon or of cinchona.
Quillet
Quil´let, n. [L. quidlibet what you please. Cf. Quiddit, and Quibble.] Subtilty; nicety; quibble. "Nice, sharp quillets of the law." Shak.
Quilt, n. [OE. quilte, OF. cuilte, L. culcita bed, cushion, mattress. Cf. 2d Counterpoint, Cushion.] Anything that is quilted; esp., a quilted bed cover, or a skirt worn by women; any cover or garment made by putting wool, cotton, etc., between two cloths and stitching them together; also any outer bed cover.
"The beds were covered with magnificent quilts." Arbuthnot.
Quilt, v. t. [ imp. & p. p. Quilted; p. pr. & vb. n. Quilting.]
1. To stitch or sew together at frequent intervals, in order to confine in place the several layers of cloth and wadding of which a garment, comforter, etc., may be made; as to quilt a coat. Dryden.
2. To wad, as a garment, with warm soft material.
3. To stitch or sew in lines or patterns.
Quilting
Quilt´ing, n.
1. The act of stitching or running in patterns, as in making a quilt.
2. A quilting bee. See Bee, 2.
3. The material used for making quilts.
4. (Naut.) A coating of strands of rope for a water vessel.
Quin, n. (Zoöl.) A European scallop ( Pecten opercularis), used as food. [Prov. Eng.]
Quinary
Qui´na•ry, a. [L. quinarius, from quini five each, akin to quinque five: cf. F. quinaire. See Five.] Consisting of five; arranged by fives. Boyle. Quinary system (Zoöl.), a fanciful classification based on the hypothesis that each group contains five types.
Quinate
Qui´nate, n. (Chem.) A salt of quinic acid. [Written also kinate.]
Quince (kwins), n. [Prob. a pl. from OE. quyne, coin, OF. coin, cooin, F. coing, from L. Cydonius a quince tree, as adj., Cydonian, Gr. Cydonian, a quince, fr. Cydonia, a city in Crete, the Cydonians. Cf. Quiddany.]
1. The fruit of a shrub ( Cydonia vulgaris) belonging to the same tribe as the apple. It somewhat resembles an apple, but differs in having many seeds in each carpel. It has hard flesh of high flavor, but very acid, and is largely used for marmalade, jelly, and preserves.
2. (Bot.) a quince tree or shrub. Japan quince (Bot.), an Eastern Asiatic shrub ( Cydonia, formerly Pyrus, Japonica) and its very fragrant but inedible fruit. The shrub has very showy flowers, usually red, but sometimes pink or white, and is much grown for ornament. — Quince curculio (Zoöl.), a small gray and yellow curculio ( Conotrachelus crataegi) whose larva lives in quinces. — Quince tree (Bot.), the small tree ( Cydonia vulgaris) which produces the quince.
Quincewort
Quince´wort, n. (Bot.) The squinancy. Called also quinsywort.
Quinch, v. i. [Cf. OD. quincken to quiver, shake, Fries. quink hovering. Cf. Quich.] To stir; to wince. [Obs.] Spenser.
Quincuncial
Quin•cun´cial, [L. quincuncialis, from quincunx. See Quincunx.]
1. Having the form of a quincunx.
2. (Bot.) Having the leaves of a pentamerous calyx or corolla so imbricated that two are exterior, two are interior, and the other has one edge exterior and one interior; as quincuncial aestivation. Quincuncial phyllotaxy (Bot.), an arrangement of five leaves in a spiral, each leaf two fifths of a circle from the next.
Quincuncially
Quin•cun´cial•ly, adv. In the manner or order of a quincunx.
Quincunx
Quin´cunx, n. [L., fr. quinque five + uncia an ounce. The quincunx was marked by five small spots or balls. See Five, and Ounce the weight.]
1. An arrangement of things by fives in a square or a rectangle, one being placed at each corner and one in the middle; especially, such an arrangement of trees repeated indefinitely, so as to form a regular group with rows running in various directions.
2. (Astrol.) The position of planets when distant from each other five signs, or 150°. Hutton.
3. (Bot.) A quincuncial arrangement, as of the parts of a flower in aestivation. See Quincuncial, 2.
Quinic
Quin´ic, a. [See Quinine, and cf. Kinic.] (Chem.) Pertaining to, derived from, or connected with, quinine and related compounds; specifically, designating a nonnitrogenous acid obtained from cinchona bark, coffee, beans, etc., as a white crystalline substance. [Written also chinic, kinic.]
Quinine
Qui´nine, n. [F. (cf. Sp. quinina), fr. Sp. quina, or quinaquina, Peruvian bark, fr. Peruv. kina, quina, bark. Cf. Kinic.] (Chem.) An alkaloid extracted from the bark of several species of cinchona (esp. Cinchona Calisaya) as a bitter white crystalline substance, C20H24N2O2. Hence, by extension (Med.), any of the salts of this alkaloid, as the acetate, chloride, sulphate, etc., employed as a febrifuge or antiperiodic. Called also quinia, quinina, etc. [Written also chinine.]
Quininic
Qui•nin´ic, a. (Chem.) Pertaining to, or designating, a nitrogenous acid obtained as a yellow crystalline substance by the oxidation of quinine. { Qui´nin•ism, Qui´nism } n. (Med.) See Cinchonism.
Quinologist
Qui•nol´o•gist, n. One who is versed in quinology.
Quinquagesima
Quin•qua•ges´i•ma, a. [L., fr. quinquagesimus the fiftieth, akin to quinquaginta fifty, quinque five. See Five.] Fiftieth. Quinquagesima Sunday, the Sunday which is the fiftieth day before Easter, both days being included in the reckoning; — called also Shrove Sunday.
Quinque-
Quin´que- [L. quinque five. See Five.] A combining form meaning five, five times, fivefold; as quinquefid, five-cleft; quinquedentate, five-toothed.
Quinque foliolate
Quin•que fo"li•o•late, a. (Bot.) Having five leaflets. Gray.
Quinquefarious
Quin•que•fa´ri•ous, a. [From L. quinque five: cf. F. quinquefarie. Cf. Bifarious.] (Bot.) Arranged in five vertical rows; pentastichous. Gray.
Quinquelobed
Quin´que•lobed, a. [ Quinque- + lobe.] Same as Quinquelobate.
Quinquennalia
Quin•quen•na´li•a, n. pl. [L., fr. quinquennalis. See Ouinquennial.] (Rom. Antiq.) Public games celebrated every five years.
Quinquennial
Quin•quen´ni•al, a. [L. quinquennalis and quinquennis; quinque five + annus year. See Five, and cf. Biennial.] Occurring once in five years, or at the end of every five years; also lasting five years. A quinquennial event.
Quinquina
Quin•qui´na, n. [NL. & F. See Quinine.] Peruvian bark.
Quinquivalent
Quin•quiv´a•lent, a. [ Quinque- + L. valens, -entis, p. pr. See Valence.] (Chem.) Same as Pentavalent.
Quinsy
Quin´sy, n. [Contr. fr. squinancy, F. esquinancie, L. cynanche a sort of sore throat, Gr. sore throat, dog quinsy, fr. dog + to choke; cf. also L. synanche sore throat, Gr. . Cf. Hound, Anger, and Cynanche.] (Med.) An inflammation of the throat, or parts adjacent, especially of the fauces or tonsils, attended by considerable swelling, painful and impeded deglutition, and accompanied by inflammatory fever. It sometimes creates danger of suffocation; — called also squinancy, and squinzey.
Quint, n. [F. quinte, fr. L. quintus, quinta, the fifth, quinque five. See Five.]
1. A set or sequence of five, as in piquet.
2. (Mus.) The interval of a fifth.
Quintal
Quin´tal, n. [F., fr. Sp. quintal, fr. Ar. qintar a weight of 100 lbs., prob. fr. L. centenarius consisting of a hundred, fr. centeni a hundred each, fr. centum a hundred. See Hundred, and cf. Kentle.]
1. A hundredweight, either 112 or 100 pounds, according to the scale used. Cf. Cental. [Sometimes written and pronounced kentle.]
2. A metric measure of weight, being 100,000 grams, or 100 kilograms, equal to 220.46 pounds avoirdupois.
Quintan
Quin´tan, a. [L. quintanus, fr. quintus fifth, quinque five. See Five.] Occurring as the fifth, after four others also occurring every fifth day, reckoning inclusively; as a quintan fever. — n. (Med.) An intermittent fever which returns every fifth day, reckoning inclusively, or in which the intermission lasts three days.
Quintessence
Quin•tes´sence, n. [F., fr. L. quinta essentia fifth essence. See Quint, and Essence.]
1. The fifth or last and highest essence or power in a natural body. See Ferment oils, under Ferment. [Obs.] The ancient Greeks recognized four elements, fire, air, water, and earth. The Pythagoreans added a fifth and called it nether, the fifth essence, which they said flew upward at creation and out of it the stars were made. The alchemists sometimes considered alcohol, or the ferment oils, as the fifth essence.
2. Hence: An extract from anything, containing its rarest virtue, or most subtle and essential constituent in a small quantity; pure or concentrated essence.
"Let there be light, said God; and forthwith light
Ethereal, first of things, quintessence pure,
Sprung from the deep." Milton.
Quintessential
Quin•tes•sen´tial, a. Of the nature of a quintessence; purest. "Quintessential extract of mediocrity." G. Eliot. { Quin•tet´, Quin•tette´ }, n. [It. quintetto, dim. of quinto the fifth, a fifth part, from L. quintus the fifth: cf. F. quintette. See Quint.] (Mus.) A composition for five voices or instruments; also the set of five persons who sing or play five-part music.
Quintic
Quin´tic, a. [L. quintus fifth, fr. quinque five.] (Alg.) Of the fifth degree or order. — n. (Alg.) A quantic of the fifth degree. See Quantic.
Quintilllion
Quin•till´lion, n. [Formed fr. L. quintus the fifth, after the analogy of million: cf. F. quintillion. See Quint.] According to the French notation, which is used on the Continent and in America, the cube of a million, or a unit with eighteen ciphers annexed; according to the English notation, a number produced by involving a million to the fifth power, or a unit with thirty ciphers annexed. See the Note under Numeration.
Quintine
Quin´tine, n. [L. quintus the fifth: cf. F. quintine.] (Bot.) The embryonic sac of an ovule, sometimes regarded as an innermost fifth integument. Cf. Quartine, and Tercine.
Quintuple
Quin´tu•ple, a. [L. quintus fifth: cf. F. quintuple, L. quintuplex. Cf. Quadruple.] Multiplied by five; increased to five times the amount; fivefold. Quintuple time (Mus.), a time having five beats in a measure. It is seldom used.
Quintuple
Quin´tu•ple, v. t. [ imp. & p. p. Quintupled p. pr. & vb. n. Quintupling.] [Cf. F. quintupler.] To make fivefold, or five times as much or many. { Quit´tu•ple-nerved•, Quin´tu•ple-ribbed• } a. (Bot.) The same as Quinquenerved.
Quintuplet
Quin´tu•plet, n. [From Quintuple.]
1. A collection or combination of five of a kind.
2. pl. Five children born in the same labor.
3. (Mus.) A group of five connected notes; a turn of five notes.
4. A cycle having five crank shafts and adapted for five riders, all of whom can assist in the propulsion.
Quinzaine
Quin´zaine, n. [F., from quinze fifteen, L. quindecim. See Fifteen.] The fifteenth day after a feast day, including both in the reckoning. [Written also quinzain.]
Quinze, n. [F.] A game at cards in which the object is to make fifteen points.
Quip, n. [Cf. W. chwip a quick flirt or turn, chwipio to whip, to move briskly, and E. whip. Cf. Quib, Quibble.] A smart, sarcastic turn or jest; a taunt; a severe retort; a gibe.
"Quips, and cranks, and wanton wiles." Milton.
"He was full of joke and jest,
But all his merry quips are o’er." Tennyson.
Quip, v. t. [ imp. & p. p. Quipped p. pr. & vb. n. Quipping ] To taunt; to treat with quips.
"The more he laughs, and does her closely quip." Spenser.
Quire (kwir), n. See Choir. [Obs.] Spenser.
"A quire of such enticing birds." Shak.
Quire, v. i. To sing in concert. [R.] Shak.
Quire (kwir), n. [OE. quaer, quair, OF. quayer, cayer, caïer, F. cahier, a book of loose sheets, a quarter of a quire, LL. quaternus, quaternum, sheets of paper packed together, properly, four together, fr. L. quaterni four each, by fours, quattuor four. See Four, and cf. Cahier.] A collection of twenty-four sheets of paper of the same size and quality, unfolded or having a single fold; one twentieth of a ream.
Quirister
Quir´is•ter (kwir"is•ter), n. [See Quire, Chorister.] A chorister. See Chorister. [R.] Thomson.
Quirked (kwerkt), a. Having, or formed with, a quirk or quirks.
Quirkish
Quirk´ish (kwerk"ish), a. Consisting of quirks; resembling a quirk. Barrow.
Quirky
Quirk´y (-y), a. Full of quirks; tricky; as a quirky lawyer.
Quirpele
Quir´pele (kwer"pel), n. [Tamil kirippillai.] (Zoöl.) The Indian ferret.
Quirt (kwert), n. A rawhide whip plaited with two thongs of buffalo hide. T. Roosevelt.
Quit (kwit), n. (Zoöl.) Any one of numerous species of small passerine birds native of tropical America. See Banana quit, under Banana, and Guitguit.
Quit (kwit), a. [OE. quite, OF. quite, F. quitte. See Quit, v. , Quiet.] Released from obligation, charge, penalty, etc.; free; clear; absolved; acquitted. Chaucer.
"The owner of the ox shall be quit." Ex. xxi. 28. This word is sometimes used in the form quits, colloquially; as to be quits with one, that is, to have made mutual satisfaction of demands with him; to be even with him; hence, as an exclamation: Quits! we are even, or on equal terms. "To cry quits with the commons in their complaints." Fuller.
Quit, v. t. [ imp. & p. p. Quit or Quitted; p. pr. & vb. n. Quitting.] [OE. quiten, OF. quiter, quitier, cuitier, F. quitter, to acquit, quit, LL. quietare, fr. L. quietare to calm, to quiet, fr. quietus quiet. See Quiet, a. , and cf. Quit, a. , Quite, Acquit, Requite.]
1. To set at rest; to free, as from anything harmful or oppressive; to relieve; to clear; to liberate. [R.]
"To quit you of this fear, you have already looked Death in the face; what have you found so terrible in it?" Wake.
2. To release from obligation, accusation, penalty, or the like; to absolve; to acquit.
"There may no gold them quyte." Chaucer.
"God will relent, and quit thee all his debt." Milton.
3. To discharge, as an obligation or duty; to meet and satisfy, as a claim or debt; to make payment for or of; to requite; to repay.
"The blissful martyr quyte you your meed." Chaucer.
"Enkindle all the sparks of nature
To quit this horrid act." Shak.
"Before that judge that quits each soul his hire." Fairfax.
4. To meet the claims upon, or expectations entertained of; to conduct; to acquit; — used reflexively.
"Be strong, and quit yourselves like men." 1 Sam. iv. 9.
"Samson hath quit himself
Like Samson." Milton.
5. To carry through; to go through to the end. [Obs.]
"Never worthy prince a day did quit
With greater hazard and with more renown." Daniel.
6. To have done with; to cease from; to stop; hence, to depart from; to leave; to forsake; as to quit work; to quit the place; to quit jesting.
"Such a superficial way of examining is to quit truth for appearance." Locke. To quit cost, to pay; to reimburse. — To quit scores, to make even; to clear mutually from demands.
"Does not the earth quit scores with all the elements in the noble fruits that issue from it?" South.
Syn. — To leave; relinquish; resign; abandon; forsake; surrender; discharge; requite. — Quit, Leave. Leave is a general term, signifying merely an act of departure; quit implies a going without intention of return, a final and absolute abandonment.
Quit, v. i. To go away; to depart; to stop doing a thing; to cease.
Quitch (kwich), n.
1. (Bot.) Same as Quitch grass.
2. Figuratively: A vice; a taint; an evil.
"To pick the vicious quitch
Of blood and custom wholly out of him." Tennyson.
Quitch grass
Quitch" grass (kwich" gras•). [Properly quick grass, being probably so called from its vigorous growth, or from its tenacity of life. See Quick, and cf. Couch grass.] (Bot.) A perennial grass ( Agropyrum repens) having long running rootstalks, by which it spreads rapidly and pertinaciously, and so becomes a troublesome weed. Also called couch grass, quack grass, quick grass, twitch grass. See Illustration in Appendix.
Quitclaim
Quit´claim, v. t. [ imp. & p. p. Quitclaimed (-klamd•); p. pr. & vb. n. Quitclaiming.] (Law) To release or relinquish a claim to; to release a claim to by deed, without covenants of warranty against adverse and paramount titles.
Quite (kwit), v. t. & i. See Quit. [Obs.] Chaucer.
Quite (kwit), adv. [F. quitte discharged, free, clear; cf. OF. quitement freely, frankly, entirely. See Quit, a. ]
1. Completely; wholly; entirely; totally; perfectly; as the work is not quite done; the object is quite accomplished; to be quite mistaken.
"Man shall not quite be lost, but saved who will." Milton.
"The same actions may be aimed at different ends, and arise from quite contrary principles." Spectator.
2. To a great extent or degree; very; very much; considerably. "Quite amusing." Macaulay.
"He really looks quite concerned." Landor.
"The island stretches along the land and is quite close to it." Jowett (Thucyd. ).
Quittable
Quit´ta•ble (kwit"ta•b’l), a. Capable of being quitted.
Quittal
Quit´tal (-t al), n. Return; requital; quittance. [Obs.]
Quittance
Quit´tance (-t ans), n. [OE. quitaunce, OF. quitance, F. quittance. See Quit, v. t.]
1. Discharge from a debt or an obligation; acquittance.
"Omittance is no quittance." Shak.
2. Recompense; return; repayment. [Obs.] Shak.
Quittance
Quit´tance, v. t. To repay; to requite. [Obs.] Shak.
Quitter
Quit´ter (-ter), n.
1. One who quits.
2. A deliverer. [Obs.] Ainsworth.
Quiver
Quiv´er (kwiv"er), a. [Akin to AS. cwiferlice anxiously; cf. OD. kuiven, kuiveren. Cf. Quaver.] Nimble; active. [Obs.] " A little quiver fellow." Shak.
Quiver
Quiv´er, v. i. [ imp. & p. p. Quivered (-erd); p. pr. & vb. n. Quivering.] [Cf. Quaver.] To shake or move with slight and tremulous motion; to tremble; to quake; to shudder; to shiver.
"The green leaves quiver with the cooling wind." Shak.
"And left the limbs still quivering on the ground." Addison.
Quiver
Quiv´er, n. The act or state of quivering; a tremor.
Quiver
Quiv´er, n. [OF. cuivre, cuevre, coivre, LL. cucurum, fr. OHG. chohhari quiver, receptacle, G. köcher quiver; akin to AS. cocor, cocur, cocer, D. koker. Cf. Cocker a high shoe.] A case or sheath for arrows to be carried on the person.
"Beside him hung his bow
And quiver, with three-bolted thunder stored." Milton.
Quiveringly
Quiv´er•ing•ly (-er•ing•ly), adv. With quivering motion.
Quixotically
Quix•ot´ic•al•ly (-i•k al•ly), adv. In a quixotic way.
Quiz (kwiz), v. t. [ imp. & p. p. Quizzed (kwizd); p. pr. & vb. n. Quizzing (-zing).]
1. To puzzle; to banter; to chaff or mock with pretended seriousness of discourse; to make sport of, as by obscure questions.
"He quizzed unmercifully all the men in the room." Thackeray.
2. To peer at; to eye suspiciously or mockingly.
3. To instruct in or by a quiz. See Quiz, n. , 4. [U.S.] Quizzing glass, a small eyeglass.
Quiz, v. i. To conduct a quiz. See Quiz, n. , 4. [U.S.]
Quizzism
Quiz´zism (-ziz’m), n. The act or habit of quizzing.
Quo warranto
Quo• war•ran"to (kwo• wor•ran"to). [So called from the Law L. words quo warranto (by what authority), in the original Latin form of the writ. See Which, and Warrant.] (Law) A writ brought before a proper tribunal, to inquire by what warrant a person or a corporation acts, or exercises certain powers. Blackstone. An information in the nature of a quo warranto is now common as a substitute for the writ. Wharton.
Quob (kwob), v. i. [Cf. Quaver.] [Written also quop and quab.] To throb; to quiver. [Local & Vulgar]
Quod, v. Quoth; said. See Quoth. [Obs.]
""Let be," quod he, "it shall not be."" Chaucer.
Quod, v. t. To put in quod, or prison; to lock up; to jug. [Slang] Kipling. R.
Quodlibetarian
Quod•lib•e•ta´ri•an (- lib•e•ta"ri• an), n. One who discusses any subject at pleasure.
Quoil (kwoil or koil), n. See Coil. [Obs.]
Quoin (kwoin or koin; 277), n. [See Coin, and cf. Coigne.]
1. (Arch.) Originally, a solid exterior angle, as of a building; now, commonly, one of the selected pieces of material by which the corner is marked. In stone, the quoins consist of blocks larger than those used in the rest of the building, and cut to dimension. In brickwork, quoins consist of groups or masses of brick laid together, and in a certain imitation of quoins of stone.
2. A wedgelike piece of stone, wood, metal, or other material, used for various purposes; as: (a) (Masonry) To support and steady a stone. (b) (Gun.) To support the breech of a cannon. (c) (Print.) To wedge or lock up a form within a chase. (d) (Naut.) To prevent casks from rolling. Hollow quoin. See under Hollow. - - Quoin post (Canals), the post of a lock gate which abuts against the wall.
Quoit (kwoit or koit), n. [OE. coite; cf. OF. coitier to spur, press, (assumed) LL. coctare, fr. L. coquere, coctum, to cook, burn, vex, harass, E. cook, also W. coeten a quoit.]
1. (a) A flattened ring-shaped piece of iron, to be pitched at a fixed object in play; hence, any heavy flat missile used for the same purpose, as a stone, piece of iron, etc. (b) pl. A game played with quoits. Shak.
2. The discus of the ancients. See Discus.
3. A cromlech. [Prov. Eng.] J. Morley.
Quoke (kwok), obs. imp. of Quake. Chaucer.
Quoll (kwol), n. (Zoöl.) A marsupial of Australia ( Dasyurus macrurus), about the size of a cat.
Quook (kwook), imp. of Quake. [Obs.] Spenser.
Quota
Quo´ta (kwo"ta), n. [LL., fr. L. quota (sc. pars), fr. quotus which or what in number, of what number, how many, fr. quot how many, akin to quis, qui, who: cf. It. quota a share. See Who.] A proportional part or share; the share or proportion assigned to each in a division. "Quota of troops and money." Motley.
Quotation
Quo•ta´tion (kwo•ta"shun), n. [From Quote.]
1. The act of quoting or citing.
2. That which is quoted or cited; a part of a book or writing named, repeated, or adduced as evidence or illustration. Locke.
3. (Com.) The naming or publishing of the current price of stocks, bonds, or any commodity; also the price named.
4. Quota; share. [Obs.]
5. (Print.) A piece of hollow type metal, lower than type, and measuring two or more pica ems in length and breadth, used in the blank spaces at the beginning and end of chapters, etc. Quotation marks (Print.), two inverted commas placed at the beginning, and two apostrophes at the end, of a passage quoted from an author in his own words.
Quote (kwot), v. t. [ imp. & p. p. Quoted; p. pr. & vb. n. Quoting.] [OF. quoter, F. coter to letter, number, to quote, LL. quotare to divide into chapters and verses, fr. L. quotus. See Quota.] [Formerly written also cote.]
1. To cite, as a passage from some author; to name, repeat, or adduce, as a passage from an author or speaker, by way of authority or illustration; as to quote a passage from Homer.
2. To cite a passage from; to name as the authority for a statement or an opinion; as to quote Shakespeare.
3. (Com.) To name the current price of.
4. To notice; to observe; to examine. [Obs.] Shak.
5. To set down, as in writing. [Obs.] "He’s quoted for a most perfidious slave." Shak.
Syn. — To cite; name; adduce; repeat. — Quote, Cite. To cite was originally to call into court as a witness, etc., and hence denotes bringing forward any thing or person as evidence. Quote usually signifies to reproduce another’s words; it is also used to indicate an appeal to some one as an authority, without adducing his exact words.
Quoter
Quot´er (-er), n. One who quotes the words of another.
Quoth (kwoth or kwuth), v. t. [AS. cweðan, imp. cwaeð, pl. cwaedon; akin to OS. queðan, OHG. quethan, quedan, Icel. kveða, Goth. qiþan. rad.22. Cf. Bequeath.] Said; spoke; uttered; — used only in the first and third persons in the past tenses, and always followed by its nominative, the word or words said being the object: as quoth I, quoth he. "Let me not live, quoth he." Shak.
Quotidian
Quo•tid´i•an (kwo•tid"i• an), a. [OE. cotidian, L. quotidianus, fr. quotidie daily; quotus how many + dies day: cf. OF. cotidien, F. quotidien. See Quota, Deity.] Occurring or returning daily; as a quotidian fever.
Quotient
Quo´tient (kwo"sh ent), n. [F., fr. L. quoties how often, how many times, fr. quot how many. See Quota.]
1. (Arith.) The number resulting from the division of one number by another, and showing how often a less number is contained in a greater; thus, the quotient of twelve divided by four is three.
2. (Higher Alg.) The result of any process inverse to multiplication. See the Note under Multiplication.
Quotum
Quo´tum (kwo"tum), n. [NL., fr. L. quotus of what number. See Quota.] Part or proportion; quota. [R.] "A very small quotum." Max Müller.