quail

To shrink back in fear; cower.

Any of various primarily ground-dwelling birds of the genus Coturnix, especially C. coturnix, small in size and having mottled brown plumage and a short tail.

Any of various similar or related birds of the Americas, such as the bobwhite or the California quail.

To curdle; coagulate.

To begin to die; decline; fade; wither.

To lose heart or courage; shrink before danger or difficulty; flinch; cower; tremble.

To slacken.

To quell; subdue; overpower; intimidate; terrify.

The mountain quail, Oreortyx pictus, of the western United States: so named from its bright marking of white and chestnut.

An Australian hemipod, or button-quail, Turnix varius.