QUIP
Quip, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Quipped; p. pr. & vb. n. Quipping.]
Defn: To taunt; to treat with quips.
The more he laughs, and does her closely quip. Spenser.
QUIP
Quip, v. i.
Defn: To scoff; to use taunts. Sir H. Sidney.
QUIPO
Qui"po, n.
Defn: Same as Quipu.
QUIPU
Qui"pu, n.; pl. Quipus. Etym: [Peruv.quipu a knot.]
Defn: A contrivance employed by the ancient Peruvians, Mexicans, etc., as a substitute for writing and figures, consisting of a main cord, from which hung at certain distances smaller cords of various colors, each having a special meaning, as silver, gold, corn, soldiers. etc. Single, double, and triple knots were tied in the smaller cords, representing definite numbers. It was chiefly used for arithmetical purposes, and to register important facts and events. [Written also quipo.] Tylor. The mysterious science of the quipus . . . supplied the Peruvians with the means of communicating their ideas to one another, and of transmitting them to future generations. Prescott.
QUIRBOILLY
Quir"boil*ly`, n. Etym: [OE. cuir bouilli.]
Defn: Leather softened by boiling so as to take any required shape. Upon drying, it becomes exceedingly hard, and hence was formerly used for armor. [Obs.] "His jambeux were of quyrboilly." Chaucer.