quoin

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quoin

smooth-cut quoins (Alan Witschonke)

also n.

1. 1. An exterior angle of a wall or other piece of masonry.
   2. Any of the stones used in forming such an angle, often being of large size and dressed or arranged so as to form a decorative contrast with the adjoining walls.
2. A keystone.
3. Printing. A wedge-shaped block used to lock type in a chase.
4. A wedge used to raise the level of a gun.

tr.v., quoined, also coigned, quoin·ing, coign·ing, quoins, coigns.
To provide, secure, or raise with a quoin or quoins.

[Variant of COIN.]

(koin, kwoin)

noun
1. An external angle of a wall; outer corner.
2. One of the stones or bricks forming such an angle: cornerstone.
3. A wedge-shaped block.

verb tr.
1. To build a corner with distinctive blocks.
2. To secure metal type with a quoin (in printing).

Etymology
Variant of coin

Here are pictures of quoins: www.arundelstone.co.uk/Quoins.htm.

Usage
"Built between 1805 and 1813, they are white-columned and green-shuttered, with white stone quoins. And painted a giddy pink." — Sarah Ferrell; Nassau's Quieter Pleasures; The New York Times; Jan 6, 2002.

"It's the Tudor, an imposing, nine-story building of brick and rough-hewn stone, accented with smooth brownstone lintels and quoins, swelled fronts and sides." — Marilyn Jackson; Lapping up Luxury on Beacon Street; The Boston Herald; Jun 7, 2003.

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For more information on quoin, visit Britannica.com.

[koin]

k (w)oin n. a wedge for raising the level of a gun barrel or for keeping it from rolling.

See the Introduction, Abbreviations and Pronunciation for further details.

[Co]

Large dressed stones forming the angle of a building, usually carefully placed and set by skilled masons, while the general walling between was raised by less skilled or experienced craftsmen.

IN BRIEF: A large square stone that is the corner of a building. Also: A wedged stone to keep casks from rolling.

In order for the brick building to be strong, several large quoins were used on each of the corners.

Tutor's tip: A "coign" is a corner or advantageous position for viewing, a "coin" is money, while a "quoin" is a wedge or the outside angle of a building.

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