quinsy

noun

quin·​sy ˈkwin-zē How to pronounce quinsy (audio)
plural quinsies
: an abscess in the tissue around a tonsil usually resulting from bacterial infection and often accompanied by pain and fever

Word History

Etymology

Middle English quinesie, from Anglo-French esquinauncy, quinancie, from Late Latin cynanche, from Greek kynanchē, from kyn-, kyōn dog + anchein to strangle — more at hound, anger

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of quinsy was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near quinsy

Cite this Entry

“Quinsy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/quinsy. Accessed 24 Nov. 2024.

Medical Definition

quinsy

noun
quin·​sy ˈkwin-zē How to pronounce quinsy (audio)
plural quinsies
: an abscess in the connective tissue around a tonsil usually resulting from bacterial infection and often accompanied by fever, pain, and swelling

called also peritonsillar abscess

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