I. ˈskwinch noun
( -es )
Etymology: alteration of obsolete English scunch sconcheon, short for English scuncheon
1. : a support (as an arch, lintel, or corbelling) carried across the corner of a room under a superimposed mass (as an octagonal spire or drum resting upon a square tower) — compare pendentive
2. : hagioscope
II. verb
( -ed/-ing/-es )
Etymology: probably blend of squint (II) and pinch (I)
transitive verb
1.
a. : to contort (as the face) as a signal or as an involuntary sign (as of pain)
b. : to forcefully but partially screw shut (the eyes)
eyes, permanently squinched against the sun — William Humphrey
2. : to compress into a smaller bulk : make more compact
intransitive verb
1. : flinch
2. : to cause oneself or an object to take up less room
he squinched back in one corner — J.B.Clayton
3. : squint
the fire so low she squinched to see — R.P.Warren
III. adjective
: characterized or affected by squinching:
a. : squinted
squinch eye
b. : screwed , pinched
squinch face
IV. ˈskwinch
variant of squench