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

“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

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

Although phrased in carefully crafted legal language, the alleged quid pro quo demanded of Adams is made clear enough:

From Salon

“It’s completely changed my life. I don’t take it for granted that I’m living in the home of my dreams that I renovated and got for a quid.”

From BBC

“This was a sex-based quid pro quo relationship of unwelcome advances and sexual behaviors coupled with punishment and flexing of power,” according to the lawsuit, which also names the California state Senate as a defendant.

From Los Angeles Times