ETYM Old Fren. quaille, French caille, Late Lat. quaquila, qualia, qualea, of Dutch or German origin; cf. Dutch kwakkel, kwartel, Old High Germ. wahtala, German wachtel.
1. Small gallinaceous game birds.
2. (Game bird) Flesh of quail; suitable for roasting or broiling if young; otherwise must be braised.
Any of several genera of small ground-dwelling birds of the family Phasianidae, which also includes grouse, pheasants, bobwhites, and prairie chickens.
The California quail Callipepla californiensis is one of five species of quail native to North America.

1. Chiefly dialect; wither, decline
2. To give way; falter
3. To recoil in dread or terror; cower 1902*