coign
/kɔin/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Noun: 1. The keystone of an arch: The central, wedge-shaped stone at the top of an arch that locks all the other stones in place. 2. An expandable metal or wooden wedge used by printers: A tool used in traditional printing to secure a block of type within a frame (called a chase) by applying pressure.
Examples of Usage
- As the keystone of an arch:
- The ancient Roman aqueduct remained standing for centuries, its strength dependent on each perfectly carved coign.
- The architect pointed out the intricately sculpted coign at the apex of the cathedral's doorway.
- As a printer's wedge:
- The typesetter tightened the coigns to ensure the form would not shift during the press run.
- Before the invention of modern printing, a mallet was used to tap the coign into place.
Advanced Usage
- Coign of vantage: This is a fixed literary phrase meaning a favorable position for observation or judgment. It originates from Shakespeare's (Act I, Scene VI).
- From his balcony, he had a coign of vantage over the entire piazza.
- Her experience in both departments gave her a unique coign of vantage on the company's problems.
Variants and Related Words
- Quoin (noun): This is the more common modern spelling for both architectural and printing meanings. "Coign" is an older variant.
- The stone quoin at the corner of the building was decorative.
- He adjusted the quoins in the chase.
Synonyms
- For the architectural meaning: keystone, headstone, capstone.
- For the printing meaning: wedge, locking wedge.
Notes on Different Meanings
The two primary meanings are connected by the core idea of a wedge-shaped object used to secure or lock something in place. In architecture, it secures an arch. In printing, it secures a form of type. The phrase "coign of vantage" is a specialized, metaphorical use derived from the architectural concept of a strategic, elevated position.
Noun
- the keystone of an arch
- expandable metal or wooden wedge used by printers to lock up a form within a chase