† couch-quail Obs.
In phrase, to play couch-quail, app. = couch as a quail (see couch v. 17, quot. 1386): cf. leap-frog n. Also as v.: To cower, crouch timidly.
| a 1529 Skelton Speke Parrot 420 To lowre, to droupe, to knele, to stowpe, and to play cowche quale. 1532 More Confut. Tindale Wks. 586/1 If there be such dogges..men..must..chastice them & make them couch quaile. 1537 Thersites in Hazl. Dodsley I. 396 How I have made the knaves for to play couch-quail. |