quiver
UK[ˈkwɪvə(r)]US[ˈkwɪvər]
v
To shake with a slight, rapid, tremulous movement
n
A case for holding or carrying arrows
Etymology
The verb 'quiver,' meaning to tremble or shake rapidly, entered Middle English as 'quiveren,' likely of imitative origin, suggesting a natural sound association with rapid, light movement. It is considered onomatopoeic, paralleling other words for tremulous motion like 'quaver' and 'shiver.' The noun 'quiver,' for an arrow case, has a separate origin, coming from Anglo-French 'quiveir,' itself from Old French 'quivre,' and ultimately from a West Germanic source. The two homographs 'quiver' (to shake) and 'quiver' (arrow case) are etymologically distinct words that converged in spelling by chance, a phenomenon known as homonymic convergence.
Analysis
The word 'quiver' is a simplex word of Old English origin. It is not productively formed from separable morphemes in modern English.
Examples
The leaves quiver in the slightest breeze.
His voice began to quiver with emotion as he told the story.
The archer reached into his leather quiver for another arrow.