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Definition of quinsy. plural. quinsies. : an abscess in the tissue around a tonsil usually resulting from bacterial infection and often accompanied by pain and fever.
Peritonsillar abscess, commonly known as quinsy, is an uncommon, but possibly serious consequence of tonsillitis, which could be the cause for swollen tonsil on one side. This is where pus collects between the throat wall and tonsil, forming an abscess.