A Dictionary of the Older Scottish Tongue (up to 1700)
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First published 1986 (DOST Vol. VI).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
Quail(l, Quayl, v. [e.m.E. and late ME quail(e, quayl(e (c1440), of uncertain origin.] a. intr. To decline, fail; to become faint or feeble. b. tr. To overcome, destroy, put an end to. c. To daunt, cow. —1566 Cal. Sc. P. II 271.
[We doubt not but your honour will not] suffre ws quaill 1572 Buch. Detect. 55.
And quhen thair wer mony … that offerit to accept the combat, incontinent his violent heit cuillit, and his glorious speiche quaylit c1590 Fowler I 242/60.
Guiscardus death maid not the hand relent Of Sigismund so much as ȝours dois quaill [: waill] [My] restles mynd 1611-57 Mure Dido & Æneas iii 249.
With fire and sword their scornefull shipps to quail [: availl] 1619 Garden Elphinstoun 584.
Bot withe this pleasant pitthie speache He quayld it clean and quenchit
