from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Pill \Pill\, n. [F. pilute, L. pilula a pill, little ball, dim.
of L. pila a ball. Cf. {Piles}.]
1. A medicine in the form of a little ball, or small round
mass, to be swallowed whole.
[1913 Webster]
2. Figuratively, something offensive or nauseous which must
be accepted or endured. --Udall.
[1913 Webster]
{Pill beetle} (Zool.), any small beetle of the genus
{Byrrhus}, having a rounded body, with the head concealed
beneath the thorax.
{Pill bug} (Zool.), any terrestrial isopod of the genus
{Armadillo}, having the habit of rolling itself into a
ball when disturbed. Called also {pill wood louse}.
[1913 Webster]