squinch 1
/skwinch/ , n. Archit.
a small arch, corbeling, or the like, built across the interior angle between two walls, as in a square tower for supporting the side of a superimposed octagonal spire.
[ 1490-1500; var. of scunch, short for scuncheon, ME sconch ( e ) on escoinson, esconchon; see SCONCHEON ]
squinch 2
/skwinch/ , v.t.
1. to contort (the features) or squint.
2. to squeeze together or contract.
v.i.
3. to squeeze together or crouch down, as to fit into a smaller space.
[ 1830-40; orig. uncert.; cf. SQUINT ]