I. ˈgrȯin noun
( -s )
Etymology: Middle English, from Middle French, from Late Latin grunium, from Latin grunnire to grunt — more at grunt
dialect Britain : the nose and sometimes the upper lip of an animal (as a swine)
II. noun
( -s )
Etymology: alteration (influenced by groin ) (I) of Middle English grynde, from Old English, abyss; akin to Old English grund ground — more at ground
1. : the fold or depression marking the line between the lower part of the abdomen and the thigh ; also : the region of this line — called also inguen
2.
a.
(1) : the projecting edge forming the curved line along which two intersecting vaults meet
(2) : a rib (as of wood, stone) designed to cover this edge
b.
(1) : the curved surface of a vault — not often in technical use
(2) : the spandrel of a vault — not often in technical use
3. also groyne “ : a rigid structure built out at an angle from a shore to protect the shore from erosion by currents, tides, and waves or to trap sand (as for making a beach)
[s]groin.jpg[/s] [
groin 2a
]
III. transitive verb
( -ed/-ing/-s )
: to build or equip with groins
a high corridor with a groined ceiling
groined vaults