'quill' originates from Middle Low German, specifically the word 'quiele,' where 'quiele' meant 'feather' or 'plume.'

'quiele' transformed into the English word 'quill,' and eventually became the modern English word 'quilled' as an adjective.

Initially, it meant 'feather' or 'plume,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'having quills.'