Webster's English Dictionary

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quill

1. quill \'kwil\ n [ME quil hollow reed, bobbin; akin to MHG kil large 
   feather] 1a1: a bobbin, spool, or spindle on which filling yarn is wound  
   1a2: a hollow shaft often surrounding another shaft and used in various mec 
   hanical devices 1b: a roll of dried bark  2a1: the hollow horny barrel of a 
   feather  2a2: FEATHER; esp : one of the large stiff feathers of the wi ng 
   or tail 2b: one of the hollow sharp spines of a porcupine or hedgehog  3: 
   one of various articles made from or resembling the quill of a feather;  
   esp : a pen for writing 4: a float for a fishing line 
2. quill vt 1: to pierce with quills  2a: to wind (thread or yarn) on a 
   quill  2b: to make a series of small rounded ridges in (cloth)