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.
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
quint,
quint major,
quint minor,
quint.,
quinta,
quintain,
quintal,
quintan,
quintana roo,
quintant,
quinte
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