2. (Zo["o]l.) Any one of several American partridges
belonging to {Colinus}, {Callipepla}, and allied genera,
especially the bobwhite (called {Virginia quail}, and
{Maryland quail}), and the California quail ({Calipepla
Californica}).
3. (Zo["o]l.) Any one of numerous species of Turnix and
allied genera, native of the Old World, as the Australian
painted quail ({Turnix varius}). See {Turnix}.
4. A prostitute; -- so called because the quail was thought
to be a very amorous bird.[Obs.] --Shak.
{Bustard quail} (Zo["o]l.), a small Asiatic quail-like bird
of the genus Turnix, as {T. taigoor}, a black-breasted
species, and the hill bustard quail ({T. ocellatus}). See
{Turnix}.
{Button quail} (Zo["o]l.), one of several small Asiatic
species of Turnix, as {T. Sykesii}, which is said to be
the smallest game bird of India.
{Mountain quail}. See under {Mountain}.
{Quail call}, a call or pipe for alluring quails into a net
or within range.
{Quail dove} {(Zo["o]l.)}, any one of several American ground
pigeons belonging to {Geotrygon} and allied genera.
{Quail hawk} (Zo["o]l.), the New Zealand sparrow hawk
({Hieracidea Nov[ae]-Hollandi[ae]}).
{Quail pipe}. See {Quail call}, above.
{Quail snipe} (Zo["o]l.), the dowitcher, or red-breasted
snipe; -- called also {robin snipe}, and {brown snipe}.
{Sea quail} (Zo["o]l.), the turnstone. [Local, U. S.]
2. To become quelled; to become cast down; to sink under
trial or apprehension of danger; to lose the spirit and
power of resistance; to lose heart; to give way; to
shrink; to cower.
The atheist power shall quail, and confess his
fears. I. Taylor. Stouter hearts than a woman's have
quailed in this terrible winter. --Longfellow.
Syn: to cower; flinch; shrink; quake; tremble; blench;
succumb; yield.