Quash, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Quashed; p. pr. & vb. n. Quashing.]
Etymology: [OF. quasser, F. casser, fr. L. cassare to annihilate, annul, fr. cassus empty, vain, of uncertain origin. The word has been confused with L.quassare to shake, F. casser to break, which is probably of different origin. Cf. Cashier, v. t.]
(Law)
To abate, annul, overthrow, or make void; as, to quash an indictment. Blackstone.
3 other Webster entries under this spelling
Quash, n.
Same as Squash.
Quash, v. t.
1. To beat down, or beat in pieces; to dash forcibly; to crush. The whales Against sharp rocks, like reeling vessels, quashed, Though huge as mountains, are in pieces dashed. Waller.
2. To crush; to subdue; to suppress or extinguish summarily and completely; as, to quash a rebellion. Contrition is apt to quash or allay all worldly grief. Barrow.
Quash, v. i.
To be shaken, or dashed about, with noise.
Shades of meaning
Fernald has no entry of its own for quash; he lists it under cancel.
He lists it without comment; the entries above explain its neighbors.