quintain

[ kwin-tn ]

noun

1. 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.
2. the sport of tilting at a quintain.

quintain

/ ˈkwɪntɪn /

noun

1. a post or target set up for tilting exercises for mounted knights or foot soldiers
2. the exercise of tilting at such a target

Word History and Origins

Origin of quintain¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of quintain¹

C14: from Old French quintaine, from Latin: street in a Roman camp between the fifth and sixth maniples, from quintus fifth

Example Sentences

They always kept up the sport of tilting at the Quintain in the water.

From Project Gutenberg

He had undertaken to come mounted on a nag of his father's and show the way at the quintain post.

From Project Gutenberg

The quintain post stood right before him, and the square board at which he was to tilt was fairly in his way.

From Project Gutenberg

Miss Thorne had to explain the noble game she spoke of, and Frank Foster had to own that he never had ridden at the quintain.

From Project Gutenberg

This the flying equestrian mounted, and as he was swinging to and fro he had to take with a sword the ring off a quintain.

From Project Gutenberg

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