quatrefoil

[ kat-er-foil, ka-truh- ]

noun

1. a leaf composed of four leaflets.
2. Architecture. a panellike ornament composed of four lobes, divided by cusps, radiating from a common center.

quatrefoil

/ ˈkætrəˌfɔɪl /

noun

1. a leaf composed of four leaflets
2. architect a carved ornament having four foils arranged about a common centre, esp one used in tracery

Other Words From

• quatre·foiled adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of quatrefoil¹

1375–1425; Middle English < Middle French quatre four + -foil (as in trefoil )

Word History and Origins

Origin of quatrefoil¹

C15: from Old French, from quatre four + -foil leaflet; compare trefoil

Example Sentences

The word “command” appears on Apple Macintosh keyboards, along with a quatrefoil icon that some people call the “splat” key.

From Washington Post

Inside, it is decorated with a medallion at the bottom and a quatrefoil motif surrounded by flowers.

From Fox News

Inside, it is decorated with a medallion at the bottom and a quatrefoil motif surrounded by flowers.

From Washington Times

Inside, it is decorated with a medallion at the bottom and a quatrefoil motif surrounded by flowers.

From Seattle Times

Inside, it is decorated with a medallion at the bottom and a quatrefoil motif surrounded by flowers.

From Washington Times