quoin etymology

Etymology

The word "quoin" has its origins in the Latin word "cuneus," meaning "wedge."

Meaning

A quoin has two primary meanings:

  1. Architectural feature: A stone or brick used to support or strengthen a corner or angle in a building. It is typically wedge-shaped and interlocks with other stones or bricks to create a stable structure.

  2. Printing: A small wedge-shaped piece of metal or wood used to adjust the spacing between lines of type in a printing press.

Origin

Architectural quoins: The use of quoins in architecture dates back to ancient times. They were commonly found in Greek and Roman buildings, where they provided structural support and decorative detailing to corners and angles.

Printing quoins: The use of quoins in printing originated in the 16th century. Early printers used quoins to adjust the height of the type in the composing stick, ensuring that all lines of type were level and printed evenly.

quoin relate terms

  • coin

    Etymology The word coin is derived from the Latin word cuneus which means wedge T

  • quoin

    Etymology The word quoin has its origins in the Latin word cuneus meaning wedge

  • coign

    Etymology The word coign is derived from the Old French word coing which in turn com

  • quoin

    Etymology The word quoin has its origins in the Latin word cuneus meaning wedge

  • corner

    Etymology The word corner comes from the Old French word corn which in turn comes fr

  • keystone

    Etymology Keystone is derived from the Middle English word keyston which itself is f

  • construction

    Etymology The word construction derives from the Latin word construere which means

  • building

    Etymology Derived from the Old English word byldan meaning to build construct

  • edifice

    Etymology The word edifice is derived from the Latin word aedificium which means bu

  • wedge

    Etymology Wedge comes from the Middle English word wegge itself derived from the Old E

  • structure

    Structure Etymology Latin structura meaning a building construction or arrangeme

  • vignette

    Etymology The word vignette comes from the French word vigne meaning vine or vine

  • sojourn

    Etymology Old French sojornee Late Latin subdiurnatus Latin sub meaning und