quintain Meaning, Definition & Usage

F. quintaine, LL. quintana; cf. W. chwintan a kind of hymeneal game.

An object to be tilted at; -- called also quintel. Written also quintin. ✍ A common form in the Middle Ages was an upright post, on the top of which turned a crosspiece, having on one end a broad board, and on the other a sand bag. The endeavor was to strike the board with the lance while riding under, and get away without being hit by the sand bag. "But a quintain, a mere lifeless block." Shak.