quill

• Nom désignant un instrument d'écriture fait d'une plume d'oiseau, une épine creuse et rigide de porc-épic ou de hérisson, ou encore toute grande plume de vol ou de queue d'oiseau, y compris le tuyau creux de la plume.

A noun referring to a writing instrument made from a bird's feather, a stiff hollow spine of a porcupine or hedgehog, or any of the larger wing or tail feathers of a bird, including the hollow spine of a feather.

1. Writing instrumentB1formal

   A pen made from a bird's feather, historically used for writing with ink.

   Plume d'oie pour écrire

   • The scribe dipped his quill into the inkwell.
   • She wrote the letter with a goose quill.
   • Quills were the primary writing tool before the invention of the fountain pen.

   Synonymesquill pen

2. Animal spineB1formal

   A stiff, hollow, protective spine found on porcupines and hedgehogs.

   Piquant (d'animal)

   • The porcupine raised its quills when threatened.
   • A hedgehog's quills are sharp and can be dangerous.
   • He accidentally touched the porcupine and got a quill stuck in his hand.

   Synonymespricklespine

3. Bird featherB2formal

   Any of the larger wing or tail feathers of a bird.

   Penny d'aile ou de queue d'oiseau

   • The eagle's quills were used in traditional ceremonies.
   • He collected quills from the forest floor for his art project.
   • The bird's quills are essential for flight.

   Synonymesflight featherpinionquill feather

4. Feather spineC1formal

   The hollow central shaft or spine of a feather.

   Tige de plume

   • The quill of the feather is hollow and lightweight.
   • Artists sometimes use the quill of a feather for delicate painting.
   • The quill provides structural support for the feather.

   Synonymescalamusrachisshaftstem