noun · verb · 4 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot
Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.
Sound
Pronunciation
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General-American:/kwɑd/
Received-Pronunciation:/kwɒd/
US:Recorded audio is listed in the source snapshot.
rhymes with -ɒd
CMU ARPABET:K W AO1 D
Digits mark lexical stress: 1 primary, 2 secondary, 0 unstressed.
1
noun
Meaning 1
A quadrangle or court, as of a prison; a prison.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Usage: countable
Examples
1863, Punch, quoted in 1995, Seán McConville, English Local Prisons, 1860-1900: Next Only to Death, page 69, [...] not the poorer classes merely, but the rich will be desirous to enjoy the mingled luxury and comfort of a gaol: and we shall hear of blasé Swells become burglars and garotters as a prelude to a prison, and, instead of taking tours for restoration of their health, recruiting it more cheaply by a residence in quod.
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
2
noun
Meaning 2
Confinement in a prison.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Usage: Australia, slang, uncountable
Examples
c. 1894, Acquaintance of Norman Lindsay, quoted in 2005, James Cockington, Banned: Tales From the Bizarre History of Australian Obscenity, Australian Broadcasting Corporation, paperback →ISBN, page 7, I don′t suppose you'll get more than a couple of months′ quod for them.
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
3
verb
Meaning 3
To confine in prison.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Usage: archaic, slang
No example sentence was provided for this meaning.
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
4
verb
Meaning 4
Quoth.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Usage: obsolete
No example sentence was provided for this meaning.
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
History
Etymology
Abbreviation of quadrangle; originally (17th century) referring to the quadrangles of Newgate Prison, London.
Across languages
Translations
12 source translations are retained for this English entry.
