Meaning
The lower shaft of a feather, specifically the region lacking barbs.
Etymology
Origin: Middle English
From late Middle English quyl, which is first attested in the early 15th century with the meanings "fragment of reed" and "shaft of a feather", probably from Low German and Middle Low German quiele, possibly ultimately from Proto-Indo-European *gʷelH- (“to pierce, stick”). Compare Middle High German kil (“large feather, quill”), which is derived from the Low German term.
Synonyms & Antonyms
NYT Puzzle Appearances
Accepted in 1 recorded puzzle: