quill etymology

Etymology

The word "quill" comes from the Middle English word "quylle," which in turn is derived from the Latin word "calamus," meaning "reed."

Meaning

A quill is a hollow tube made from the flight feathers of birds, primarily geese and swans. It was traditionally used as an instrument for writing with ink.

Origin

The use of quills for writing dates back to ancient times. Reed pens were used by the Egyptians as early as 3000 BCE. In Europe, quills became widely used during the Middle Ages. They were the primary writing instrument until the 19th century when they were gradually replaced by steel pens and, later, by ballpoint pens.

Other Uses

Besides writing, quills have also been used for a variety of other purposes, including:

• Blowguns: The hollow shafts of quills can be used to launch small projectiles.
• Musical Instruments: Quills are used in some musical instruments, such as the recorder.
• Painting: Quills can be used as brushes for painting.
• Feather Dusters: Quills make effective feather dusters.

quill relate terms

• shaft

  Etymology Middle English schafte schafte from Old English sceaft sceaft shaft of

• pinion

  Etymology Middle English pinyoun from Old French pignon from Latin pinio meaning

• kern

  Etymology Middle English kerne from Anglo Norman French kerne from Irish cethern f

• pounce

  Etymology pounce v Middle English from Old French poncer puncer from Latin pungere

• pen driver

  Etymology The term pen drive is a combination of two words Pen Short for penknife

• wing

  Etymology The word wing comes from the Old English word weng which likely originate

• porcupine

  Etymology The word porcupine originates from the Old French porc espin literally me