quoin

American  

[koin, kwoin] / kɔɪn, kwɔɪn /

Also coign,

noun

1. an external solid angle of a wall or the like.

2. one of the stones forming it; cornerstone.

3. any of various bricks of standard shape for forming corners of brick walls or the like.

4. a wedge-shaped piece of wood, stone, or other material, used for any of various purposes.

5. Printing. a wedge of wood or metal for securing type in a chase.

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verb (used with object)

1. to provide with quoins, as a corner of a wall.

2. to secure or raise with a quoin or wedge.

quoin British  

/ kwɔɪn, kɔɪn /

noun

1. an external corner of a wall

2. Also called: cornerstone.  a stone forming the external corner of a wall

3. another name for keystone

4. printing a metal or wooden wedge or an expanding mechanical device used to lock type up in a chase

5. a wedge used for any of various other purposes, such as (formerly) to adjust elevation in muzzle-loading cannon

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Etymology

Origin of quoin

First recorded in 1525–35; variant of coin

Explanation

A quoin is an angle at the outside corner of a building. You can call the corner itself a quoin, or use the word for the special stones or bricks that reinforce corners of brick or stone buildings. You're most likely to come across the word quoin in a discussion of architecture, since it's a term that has to do with either the aesthetics or strength of a building. Some quoins are decorative features, providing variety and pattern to the corner where two exterior walls meet. Others have an important structural job, strengthening buildings by reinforcing the corners. Quoin was originally an alternative way to spell coin, and was used to mean "cornerstone" or "wedge."

Example Sentences

First give the elevation by applying the quadrant to the face of the piece, and adjusting the quoin or ratchet until the required number of degrees is obtained.

From Ordnance Instructions for the United States Navy. 1866. Fourth edition. by United States. Navy Dept. Bureau of Ordnance

It will be observed that portions of a brick have to be inserted near a vertical end or a quoin, in order to start the regular bond.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 4, Part 3 "Brescia" to "Bulgaria" by Various

"Knock away the quoin, entirely;" he said to the captain of the gun, when he had got the range; "now mind her when she lifts, forward; keep the ship steady, Sir—fire!"

From The Water-Witch or, the Skimmer of the Seas by Cooper, James Fenimore

This quoin, being graduated to whole degrees, requires a small additional quoin for slight differences of elevation in smooth water.

From Ordnance Instructions for the United States Navy. 1866. Fourth edition. by United States. Navy Dept. Bureau of Ordnance

Care must be taken that the stop on the quoin is always properly lodged, to prevent the quoin from flying out or changing its position, and that the bed is secured to the bed-bolt.

From Ordnance Instructions for the United States Navy. 1866. Fourth edition. by United States. Navy Dept. Bureau of Ordnance