{"word":"quail","date":"2026-06-23","partOfSpeech":"verb","pronunciation":"KWAIL","definition":"to feel afraid and often to visibly show your fear","example":"Although giving a 5-minute speech was a requirement for passing the class, a few students quailed at the thought of public speaking, seeming to shrink behind their desks.","etymology":"The word quail comes from Old French esmaiier or esquillier, which is derived from Latin exquillire, meaning to drive out or frighten. The verb entered the English language in the 14th century.","source":"merriam-webster","sourceUrl":"https://www.merriam-webster.com/word-of-the-day/quail-2026-06-23","fetchedAt":"2026-06-23T07:04:05.574Z","cached":false}