Quinsy
/ˈkwɪn.zi/noun
A historical term for a severe throat infection or abscess.
Did you know?The term 'quinsy' is derived from the Middle English 'quynsie', which was linked to the idea of throat afflictions caused by supernatural forces.
Etymological Timeline
Latin
Latin
cuneus
“wedge, which suggests a constriction in the throat.”
Old French
Old French
quinzie
“a term used to describe a throat inflammation.”
Middle English
Middle English
quynsie
“an acute throat condition often viewed as a curse.”
Modern English
English
quinsy
“an archaic term now rarely used, referring to a severe throat infection.”