Brewer's: Quinsy

This is a curious abbreviation. The Latin word is cynanchia, and the Greek word kunanché, from kuon anche, dog strangulation, because persons suffering from quinsy throw open the mouth like dogs, especially mad dogs. From kunanche comes kuanchy, kuansy, quinsy.

Source: Dictionary of Phrase and Fable, E. Cobham Brewer, 1894
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