quintain
[ kwin-tn ]
/ ˈkwɪn tn /
noun
an object mounted on a post or attached to a movable crossbar mounted on a post, used as a target in the medieval sport of tilting.
the sport of tilting at a quintain.
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Origin of quintain
1400–50; late Middle English quyntain object for tilting at <Middle French quintaine or Medieval Latin quintāna, of obscure origin; the alleged connection with Latin quīntāna “market place in a military camp” is dubious
Words nearby quintain
quinquereme, quinquevalent, quinsy, quint, quinta, quintain, quintal, quintan, Quintana Roo, quintant, quinte
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2020
Example sentences from the Web for quintain
British Dictionary definitions for quintain
quintain
/ (ˈkwɪntɪn) /
noun (esp in medieval Europe)
a post or target set up for tilting exercises for mounted knights or foot soldiers
the exercise of tilting at such a target
Word Origin for quintain
C14: from Old French quintaine, from Latin: street in a Roman camp between the fifth and sixth maniples, from quintus fifth
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
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