quoin

(ko̵in, kwo̵in)

noun

  1. the external corner of a building; esp., any of the large, squared stones by which the corner of a building is marked
  2. a wedgelike piece of stone, etc., such as the keystone or one of the pieces of an arch
  3. a wedge-shaped wooden or metal block used to lock up type in a galley or form, to keep casks from rolling, etc.

Origin: var. of coin

transitive verb

  1. to secure with a quoin
  2. to furnish with quoins, or corners

See quoin in American Heritage Dictionary 4

also coign

noun
  1. a. An exterior angle of a wall or other piece of masonry.
    b. Any of the stones used in forming such an angle, often being of large size and dressed or arranged so as to form a decorative contrast with the adjoining walls.
  2. A keystone.
  3. Printing A wedge-shaped block used to lock type in a chase.
  4. A wedge used to raise the level of a gun.
transitive verb quoined also coigned, quoin·ing also coign·ing, quoins also coigns
To provide, secure, or raise with a quoin or quoins.

Origin:

Origin: Variant of coin

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quoin

smooth-cut quoins

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quoin

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