I. ˈk(w)ȯin noun
or coign ˈkȯin
( -s )
Etymology: alteration of coin
1. : angle , corner
2. : any of various wedges: as
a. : a beveled wooden block or a mechanically expandable metal device used by printers to lock up a form within a chase or to secure type on a galley
b. : a wedge used on ships to keep casks from rolling or to raise or depress the muzzles of guns
c. : the keystone or a voussoir of an arch
3. : one of the stone, brick, or wood members forming the exterior angle or corner at the juncture of two walls or planes which are distinguished from the adjoining surfaces or the units which form them by material, texture, color, size, or projection
4. : lozenge 2d(1)
[s]quoin.jpg[/s] [
quoin 3
]
II. transitive verb
or coign “
( -ed/-ing/-s )
1. : to place quoins in (a form) in printing (as between the chase and imposed matter) preparatory to locking up — often used with up
2. : to provide with quoins or distinctive corners
quoined walls