squail

1 of 2

verb

ˈskwā(ə)l

intransitive verb

dialectal, chiefly British : to throw a weighted stick (as at a bird or fruit on a tree)
squailed at the pears with short sticksRichard Jefferies

transitive verb

dialectal, chiefly British : to strike by throwing a stick

squail

2 of 2

noun

"
plural -s
: a disk or counter used in the game of squails

Word History

Etymology

Verb

origin unknown

Noun

back-formation from squails

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

  • More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
  • Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
  • Advanced search features
  • Ad free!

Dictionary Entries Near squail

Cite this Entry

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

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!