quintain
[ kwin-tn ]
/ ˈkwɪn tn /
Save This Word!
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.
QUIZZES
THINK YOU’VE GOT A HANDLE ON THIS US STATE NICKNAME QUIZ?
Did you ever collect all those state quarters? Put them to good use on this quiz about curious state monikers and the facts around them.
Question 1 of 8
Mississippi’s nickname comes from the magnificent trees that grow there. What is it?
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. 2021
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
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012