n. (pl. same or quails) any small migratory bird of the genus Coturnix, with a short tail and allied to the partridge.
Etymology: ME f. OF quaille f. med.L coacula (prob. imit.)
2.
v.intr. flinch; be apprehensive with fear.
Etymology: ME, of unkn. orig.
Useful english dictionary. 2012.