Quaver, v. i. [imp. & p. p. Quavered; p. pr. & vb. n. Quavering.]
Etymology: [OE. quaven to shake, to tremble; cf. LG. quabbeln to shake, to be soft, of fat substances, quabbe a fat lump of flesh, a dewlap, D. kwabbe, and E. quiver, v.]
1. To tremble; to vibrate; to shake. Sir I. Newton.
2. Especially, to shake the voice; to utter or form sound with rapid or tremulous vibrations, as in singing; also, to trill on a musical instrument
2 other Webster entries under this spelling
Quaver, v. t.
To utter with quavers. We shall hear her quavering them . . . to some sprightly airs of the opera. Addison.
Quaver, n.
1. A shake, or rapid and tremulous vibration, of the voice, or of an instrument of music.
2. (Mus.)
An eighth note. See Eighth.