Quoin
/kwɔɪn/noun
A projecting external corner of a wall, or a wedge used to secure printing type or masonry.
Did you know?Quoin comes through Old French from Latin cuneus, meaning “wedge,” the same root behind the idea of splitting, forcing, and fastening things into place.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*kei-
“To cut or split; the source of wedge-shaped forms and cutting tools.”
Latin
Latin
cuneus
“A wedge.”
Old French
Old French
coigne
“A corner; a wedge or angle piece.”
Middle English
English
quoyn
“A corner stone or wedge used in building.”
Modern English
English
quoin
“A projecting corner of a building or a wedge used in printing and masonry.”