verb
quail
KWAYL/kwˈeɪl/
To shrink back in fear or apprehension.
The man quails before the snarling dog despite the closed gate between them.
Etymology
The older weakening or yielding verb developed the fear sense. Its deeper origin is uncertain and separate from the bird-name.
In context
deemed that I should forget my valour and quail before you.
More examples
- She refuses to quail before the intimidating panel.
- He quailed when he saw the size of the bill.
- The team faces tough questions without quailing.
Forms
quail · quails · quailed · quailing