: a primitive hand mill for grinding grain

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Old English cweorn; akin to Old High German quirn hand mill, Old Church Slavic žrŭny

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of quern was before the 12th century

Dictionary Entries Near quern

Cite this Entry

“Quern.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/quern. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on quern

Last Updated: - Definition revised
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