quid

¹

[ kwid ]

noun

1. a portion of something, especially tobacco, that is to be chewed but not swallowed.

quid

²

[ kwid ]

noun

, plural quid.

1. British Informal. one pound sterling.

quid

¹

/ kwɪd /

noun

1. a piece of tobacco, suitable for chewing

quid

²

/ kwɪd /

noun

1. slang.
   one pound sterling
2. quids in slang.
   in a very favourable or advantageous position
3. not the full quid slang.
   mentally subnormal

Word History and Origins

Origin of quid¹

First recorded in 1720–30; dialectal variant of cud

Origin of quid²

First recorded in 1680–90; origin uncertain

Word History and Origins

Origin of quid¹

Old English cwidu chewing resin; related to Old High German quiti glue, Old Norse kvātha resin; see cud

Origin of quid²

C17: of obscure origin

Example Sentences

Honest services fraud doesn’t extend to quid pro quo exchanges where the “quid” is a perceived reputational benefit, defense attorneys argued in filings.

From Los Angeles Times

Prosecutors fired back in a filing last month, arguing that their case was consistent with the newer Supreme Court ruling because the evidence showed a clear quid pro quo agreement between Ridley-Thomas and the USC dean, including a confidential letter memorializing the agreement that the dean had hand-delivered to the politician’s downtown L.A. office.

From Los Angeles Times

“Lots of people can relate to it. You’re trying to find a penny. You’re literally looking down your settee to see if you can find a quid.”

From BBC

Quid pro quo is his answer, but perhaps it is also the chance to feel self-important again.

From Salon

North Korea and Russia signed a strategic partnership accord in June, and analysts said there could be quick quid pro quo for the troop deployment.

From Los Angeles Times