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

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