释义 |
squinch I. \ˈskwinch\ noun (-es) Etymology: alteration of obsolete English scunch sconcheon, short for English scuncheon 1. : a support (as an arch, lintel, or corbelling) carried across the corner of a room under a superimposed mass (as an octagonal spire or drum resting upon a square tower) — compare pendentive 2. : hagioscope II. verb (-ed/-ing/-es) Etymology: probably blend of squint (II) and pinch (I) transitive verb 1. a. : to contort (as the face) as a signal or as an involuntary sign (as of pain) b. : to forcefully but partially screw shut (the eyes) < eyes, permanently squinched against the sun — William Humphrey > 2. : to compress into a smaller bulk : make more compact intransitive verb 1. : flinch 2. : to cause oneself or an object to take up less room < he squinched back in one corner — J.B.Clayton > 3. : squint < the fire so low she squinched to see — R.P.Warren > III. adjective : characterized or affected by squinching: a. : squinted < squinch eye > b. : screwed, pinched < squinch face > IV. \ˈskwinch\ variant of squench |