Any of various small game birds of the genera Coturnix, Anurophasis or Perdicula in the Old World family Phasianidae or of the New World family Odontophoridae
To become quelled; to become cast down; to sink under trial or apprehension of danger; to lose the spirit and power of resistance; to lose heart; to give way; to shrink; to cower
If someone or something makes you quail, they make you feel very afraid, often so that you hesitate. The very words make many of us quail He told Naomi she was becoming just like Maya. Naomi quailed at the thought. To shrink back in fear; cower. a small fat bird with a short tail that is hunted for food or sport, or the meat from this bird (quaille, from quaccula). to be afraid and show it by shaking a little bit or moving back slightly = shrink quail at. Any of several species of short-tailed game birds (family Phasianidae), some with a head plume that is straight or curled forward. Species range from 5 to 13 in. (13-33 cm) long. Some of the 95 Old World species have leg spurs, but the 36 New World species never do. Quails prefer open country and brushy borders. The male may help incubate the 12 eggs. Quails mainly eat seeds and berries but also leaves, roots, and insects. The common quail (Coturnix coturnix) of Eurasia and Africa is the only migratory bird in the order Galliformes. Quails are generally smaller than partridges. See also bobwhite
small gallinaceous game birds flesh of quail; suitable for roasting or broiling if young; otherwise must be braised