quoin Meaning, Definition & Usage

Quoin noun

Etymology

See Coin, and cf. Coigne.

Definitions

1. (Arch.) Originally, a solid exterior angle, as of a building; now, commonly, one of the selected pieces of material by which the corner is marked. ✍ In stone, the quoins consist of blocks larger than those used in the rest of the building, and cut to dimension. In brickwork, quoins consist of groups or masses of brick laid together, and in a certain imitation of quoins of stone. # the various "subdefs" here require the introductory part definition to be complete
2. A wedgelike piece of stone, wood metal, or other material, used for various purposes, as: (a) (Masonry) to support and steady a stone. (b) (Gun.) To support the breech of a cannon. (c) (Print.) To wedge or lock up a form within a chase. (d) (Naut.) To prevent casks from rolling.