Quash, v. t. [OF. quasser, F. casser, fr. L. quassare to shake, shatter, shiver, v. intens. fr. quatere, quassum, to shake, shatter. Cf. Concussion, Discuss, Rescue, and also Quash to annul.] 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.