quaver

Definition

A trembling shake.

Etymology

From Middle English quaveren, frequentative form of quaven, cwavien (“to tremble”), equivalent to quave + -er. Cognate with Low German quabbeln (“to quiver”), German quabbeln, quappeln (“to quiver”). More at quave, quab, quiver.

Example Sentences

• "The crotchets and quavers are dancing up and down the stave like little black boys on a fence."

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