Squinch Definition

skwĭnch
squinched, squinches, squinching
noun
squinches
An interior corner support, as a small arch, corbeling, or lintel, supporting a weight, as of a spire, resting upon it.
Webster's New World
A structure, such as a section of vaulting or corbeling, set diagonally across the interior angle between two walls to provide a transition from a square to a polygonal or more nearly circular base on which to construct a dome.
American Heritage
verb
To squint (the eyes)
Webster's New World
To squint, pucker, or contort.
Webster's New World
To squeeze or compress.
Webster's New World
To crouch down or draw oneself together so as to seem smaller.
Webster's New World
To pucker or screw up (the face, nose, brow, etc.)
Webster's New World

Other Word Forms of Squinch

Noun

Singular:
squinch
Plural:
squinches

Origin of Squinch

  • Alteration of scuncheon from Middle English sconchon from Old French escoinson es- out of (from Latin ex- ex–) coin angle, wedge coin

    From American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition

  • Alteration of squint

    From American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition

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