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Dec 9, 2009
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Dictionary of Phrase and Fable—Q

Quarrel

A short, stout arrow used in the crossbow. (A corruption of carrial; Welsh, chwarel; French, carreau. So called because the head was originally carré or four-sided. Hence also a quarrel or quarry of glass, meaning a square or diamond-shaped pane; quarier, a square wax-candle, etc.)

Quarelles qwayntly swappez thorowe knyghtez
With iryne so wekyrly, that wynche they never.

Morte d'Arthure.

Quarrel

To quarrel over the bishop's cope- over something which cannot possibly do you any good; over goat's wool. This is a French expression. The newly-appointed Bishop of Bruges entered the town in his cope, which he gave to the people; and the people, to part it among themselves, tore it to shreds, each taking a piece.

Source: Dictionary of Phrase and Fable, E. Cobham Brewer, 1894
Quarrel with your Bread and Butter
Quarll
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