quintain (plural quintains)
(now historical) An object (generally a post or plank on a support) set up as a target to be tilted at in jousting, or otherwise used as target practice. [from 15th c.]
Source: Wiktionary
Quin"tain, n. Etym: [F. quintaine, LL. quintana; cf. W. chwintan a kind of hymeneal game.]
Definition: An object to be tilted at; -- called also quintel. [Written also quintin.]
Note: A common form in the Middle Ages was an upright post, on the top of which turned a crosspiece, having on one end a broad board, and on the other a sand bag. The endeavor was to strike the board with the lance while riding under, and get away without being hit by the sand bag. "But a quintain, a mere lifeless block." Shak.
Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition
27 June 2025
(adjective) having four equal sides and four right angles or forming a right angle; “a square peg in a round hole”; “a square corner”
Coffee dates back to the 9th century. Goat herders in Ethiopia noticed their goats seem to be “dancing” after eating berries from a particular shrub. They reported it to the local monastery, and a monk made a drink out of it. The monk found out he felt energized and kept him awake at night. That’s how the first coffee drink was born.
