quill
Plural
quills
1
a sharp, stiff, hollow spine found on the body of porcupines or hedgehogs, serving as a defensive mechanism against predators
2
a writing tool made from a bird feather, typically the large flight feather of a goose or swan, with a sharpened end
A quill is a writing instrument made from the feather of a bird, typically a goose, turkey, or swan. The feather's shaft is shaped into a pen, with the tip sharpened and split to hold ink. Quills were commonly used from the Middle Ages until the 19th century, especially for writing with ink on parchment or paper. The flexibility of the quill allowed writers to create varying line thicknesses depending on the pressure applied. Quills are often associated with historical documents, letters, and literature, and although less commonly used today, they remain a symbol of traditional writing and calligraphy.
- In colonial times, people used quills to write letters and documents.
- The calligrapher skillfully crafted ornate letters using a quill and ink.
- She carefully dipped the quill into the inkwell before composing her poetry.
- The author wrote the manuscript with a quill, evoking a sense of tradition.
- The museum displayed antique desks with quills and inkwells as historical artifacts.
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4
any of the larger wing or tail feathers of a bird
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