quill

A quill is a writing instrument made from a bird’s feather, typically from a goose or swan. Historically, it was used before modern pens, with the feather’s tip (called the nib) cut into a point to hold ink. When dipped into ink, the quill allowed writers to produce handwriting on paper or parchment. Its flexibility and fine tip enabled detailed, elegant letterforms, making it a popular tool from the Middle Ages through the 19th century. Though largely replaced by metal pens today, quills are still appreciated for calligraphy and historical reenactments.